Wireless electrical stimulation system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system and method are provided for a wireless electrical stimulation. The apparatus generally includes at least two electrical stimulation units. Each electrical stimulation unit includes electrodes connected to the unit. The apparatus also includes a receiver configured for receiving the one or more control signals from a remote controller for remotely, wirelessly controlling each of the electrical stimulation units to selectively apply a time-varying electric potential to the electrodes to provide an electrical stimulation to tissue in electrical contact with the electrodes. The apparatus generally includes a heating device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application which claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/796,456 filed Jul. 10,2015 which claims priority and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/328,433 that is patented to U.S. Pat. No.9,415,217, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/237,492 filed on Aug.15, 2016 which is a also continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/328,433 that is patented to U.S. Pat. No. 9,415,217, andChinese Patent Application No. 20150007315.9 filed Jan. 7, 2015. Theentire disclosures of the above are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wireless electrical stimulationsystems, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) andElectrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) systems.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Electrical stimulation systems, such as Transcutaneous Electrical NerveStimulation (TENS) devices, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) devices,etc., can provide a stimulating waveform and electrical pulses to musclegroups and or nerve areas of the body, more particularly using electrodepads to deliver electrical pulses to particular areas of human bodiesfor pain relief.

Conventional electrical stimulation systems typically have a controlunit hard-wired to a set of electrodes. Typical tethered control unitsare inconvenient to use, allow for only one treatment at a time, andprovide little information to the user regarding the therapy beingdelivered. Wireless controls have been proposed, but for the most partthey function similarly to the tethered control units.

Additionally, many conventional electrical stimulation systems typicallyhave the electrodes connected directly to stimulation units, making itvery difficult to treat parts of a subject's body spaced apart from theelectrical stimulation unit and from each other.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Examples of the present disclosure provide wireless electricalstimulation systems. According to an example, the system generallyincludes at least two electrical stimulation units. Each electricalstimulation unit includes electrodes connected to the unit. The systemalso includes a transmitter or a wireless controller for remotely,wirelessly controlling each of the electrical stimulation units toselectively apply a time-varying electric potential to the electrodes toprovide an electrical stimulation to tissue in electrical contact withthe electrodes. In some examples, a processor may be used to apply thetime-varying electric potential to the electrodes to provide theelectrical stimulation to tissue in electrical contact with theelectrodes.

In some examples, the electrodes can be releasably connected to theelectrical stimulation unit.

In some examples, the transmitter can include a unit selector forselecting one of the at least two electrical stimulation units tocontrol with the transmitter.

In some examples, the transmitter can include a display for indicatingwhich of the electrical stimulation units has been selected, and/orother information about the operation of the electrical stimulationunits.

In some examples, at least some of the electrical stimulation units canhave at least two operating modes, each of which applies a time-varyingelectrical potential to the electrodes in a different pattern. In theseexamples, the transmitter can have a mode selector for selecting one ofthe at least two operating modes. The transmitter can also include adisplay for indicating which of the operating modes has been selected.

In some examples, at least some of the electrical stimulation units arecapable of operating at at least two intensities. In these examples, thetransmitter can have an intensity selector for selecting one of the atleast two intensities of operation. The intensity selector canadditionally or alternatively include controls for increasing anddecreasing intensity. The transmitter can also include a display forindicating the intensity that has been selected. In some examples, atleast some of the electrical stimulation units are capable of operatingfor a selectable time period, and the transmitter has a time selectorfor selecting the time period of operation. The transmitter can alsoinclude a display for indicating the selected operating time period.

In some examples, the transmitter is a smart phone running anapplication.

In some examples, the electrical stimulation unit is carried on aflexible substrate adapted to be applied on a body surface. In someexamples, the electrical stimulation unit is carried on an article ofclothing (e.g., gloves, socks, slippers, etc.) that can directly contactparticular areas of a body surface.

In some examples, the transmitter communicates with the electricalstimulation units via a radio frequency (RF) protocol.

In some examples, at least some of the electrical stimulation units turnoff when communication with the transmitter is interrupted. In someexamples, at least some of the electrical stimulation units turn off apredetermined time after communication with the transmitter isinterrupted.

In some examples, at least some of the electrical stimulation units havea power switch and an indicator that indicates when the power is on. Theelectrical stimulation unit may further include an internal powersupply, and an indicator for indicating the status of the internal powersupply.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method isprovided for operating a plurality of wireless electrical stimulationunits on a subject. The method generally includes remotely, wirelesslytransmitting operating instructions to each of the plurality of wirelesselectrical stimulation units on separate channels using a single remotecontrol.

In some examples, each of the wireless electrical stimulation unitsceases operation within a predetermined period of time losingcommunication with the remote control.

In some examples, the operating instructions include at least one ofintensity and duration.

In some examples, each of the wireless electrical stimulation units hasat least two modes of operation, and wherein the operating instructionsinclude a user selected one of the at least two modes of operation.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an electricalstimulation system is provided for providing electrical stimulation to asubject's body. The system includes a transmitter or a wirelesscontroller, an electrical stimulation unit generating electricalstimulation signals in response to the wireless controller, at least twoelectrodes adapted to be disposed in electrical contact with thesubject's body spaced apart from the electrical stimulation unit andfrom each other, and a cable electrically connecting the electricalstimulation unit to the at least two electrodes to apply electricalstimulation signals from the electrical stimulation unit to theelectrodes positioned remotely from the electrical stimulation unit.

In some examples, the system includes a substrate adapted to be appliedto a body surface with the at least two electrodes carried on thesubstrate.

In some examples, the substrate is an article of clothing to be worn bythe subject, for example, a sock.

In some examples, the cable is a Y-cable having a stem and two branches,with a plug disposed on the end of the stem, and a connector disposed oneach of the branches. The plug is configured to couple with a socket onthe electrical stimulation unit and each of the connectors is configuredfor attaching and electrically connecting to an electrode.

In some example, the connectors are configured for permanently attachingto the electrodes.

In some examples, each of the connectors includes a metal fastenerconfigured for removably attaching with corresponding structuresconfigured on the at least two electrodes.

In some examples, the cable is an X-cable having first and second inputbranches, and first and second output branches. Connectors on each ofthe input branches are adapted to be connected to the electricalstimulation unit, and connectors on each of the output branches areadapted to connect to an electrode.

In some examples, the connectors on the input branches of the X-cableare configured for permanently attaching to the electrical stimulationunit.

In some examples, the connectors on the input branches of the X-cableinclude metal fasteners configured for removably coupling withcorresponding structures of the electrical stimulation unit.

In some examples, the connectors on the output branches of the X-cableare configured for permanently attaching to an electrode.

In some examples, the connectors on the output branches of the X-cableinclude metal fasteners configured for removably coupling withcorresponding structures on the electrodes.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an electricalstimulation apparatus for providing electrical stimulation to a surfaceof a human body. The electrical stimulation apparatus includes anelectrical stimulation unit configured to generate at least oneelectrical waveform, and two electrodes operatively coupled to theelectrical stimulation unit and configured to receive the at least oneelectrical waveform from the electrical stimulation unit. The twoelectrodes are insulated from each other, wherein the two electrodes areconfigured to be placed on or in proximity to the surface. The twoelectrodes are configured to deliver the at least one electricalwaveform to muscle groups or nerve areas within the surface to which theelectrodes are applied. The electrodes are configured to be appliedexternally to the surface. A remote controller is configured forcontrolling the electrical stimulation unit by generating andtransmitting a first set of one or more control signals. The electricalstimulation unit includes a receiver configured for receiving the firstset of one or more control signals from the remote controller. Inresponse to receiving the first set of one or more control signals fromthe remote controller, the electrical stimulation unit generates the atleast one electrical waveform and applies the at least one electricalwaveform to the two electrodes. A heating device is operatively coupledto the receiver of the electrical simulation unit. The heating devicecomprises one or more heating pads configured for generating heat inresponse to a second set of one or more control signals received fromthe remote controller. The heating device is further configured forproviding the generated heat to the surface proximate to where theelectrodes are applied. The remote controller is further configured forcontrolling the heating device by generating and transmitting a secondset of one or more control signals. The electrical stimulation unitincludes a receiver configured for receiving the second set of one ormore control signals from the remote controller. In response toreceiving the second set of one or more control signals from the remotecontroller, the electrical stimulation unit activates the heating deviceto generate heat and to provide the generated heat to the surfaceproximate to where the electrodes are applied.

In some examples, the electrical stimulation apparatus is a therapy beltcomprising at least an outer portion and an inner portion. The therapybelt includes a heating device and an electrical stimulation devices.The electrical stimulation device includes at least two therapyelectrodes that are placed in an interlayer that is situated between theouter portion of the therapy belt and the inner portion of the therapybelt. The heating device includes at least two heating pads that areplaced on or adjoining the inner portion of the therapy belt andconfigured for direct contact or thermal coupling with a subject's skin.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a wireless electricalstimulation system for providing electrical stimulation. The systemcomprises an electrical stimulation unit configured to generate at leastone electrical waveform, and two electrodes operatively coupled to theelectrical stimulation unit and configured to receive the at least oneelectrical waveform from the electrical stimulation unit. The twoelectrodes are insulated from each other. The two electrodes areconfigured to be placed on or in proximity to the surface, wherein thetwo electrodes are configured to deliver the at least one electricalwaveform to muscle groups or nerve areas within the surface to which theelectrodes are applied. The electrodes are configured to be appliedexternally to the surface. A wireless remote controller is configuredfor controlling the electrical stimulation unit by generating andwirelessly transmitting a first set of one or more control signals. Theelectrical stimulation unit includes a wireless receiver configured forreceiving the first set of one or more control signals from the wirelessremote controller. In response to receiving the first set of one or morecontrol signals from the wireless remote controller, the electricalstimulation unit generates the at least one electrical waveform andapplies the at least one electrical waveform to the two electrodes. Aheating device is operatively coupled to the receiver of the electricalsimulation unit. The heating device comprises one or more heating padsconfigured for generating heat in response to a second set of one ormore control signals received from the wireless remote controller, andis further configured for providing the generated heat to the surfaceproximate to where the electrodes are applied. The wireless remotecontroller further configured for controlling the heating device bygenerating and transmitting a second set of one or more control signals.The electrical stimulation unit includes a wireless receiver configuredfor wirelessly receiving the second set of one or more control signalsfrom the wireless remote controller. In response to receiving the secondset of one or more control signals from the wireless remote controller,the electrical stimulation unit activates the heating device to generateheat and to provide the generated heat to the surface proximate to wherethe electrodes are applied.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of utilizingan electrical stimulation device on a surface of a human body. Themethod comprises providing an electrical stimulation unit configured togenerate at least one electrical waveform. The method further comprisesproviding a structure that is substantially belt-shaped and is capableof being adjustably placed around a waist of a human body, the structurecomprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulatingmaterial that insulates the first electrode from the second electrode.The generated at least one electrical waveform is applied to the firstand second electrodes using a remote controller configured forcontrolling the electrical stimulation unit by generating andtransmitting a first set of one or more control signals, wherein theelectrical stimulation unit includes a receiver configured for receivingthe first set of one or more control signals from the remote controller.The generated at least one electrical waveform is applied by deliveringthe electrical waveform to a set of muscle groups or nerve areas withinthe surface that are electromagnetically coupled to the first and secondelectrodes. The first and second electrodes are configured to be appliedexternally to the surface. The one or more control signals cause theelectrical stimulation unit to apply an electric potential across thefirst electrode and the second electrode to provide an electricalstimulation to the set of muscle groups or nerve areas within thesurface. A heating device is provided proximate to the first and secondelectrodes. The heating device is operatively coupled to the receiver ofthe electrical stimulation unit. The receiver is configured forreceiving a second set of one or more control signals from the remotecontroller, and the heating device is activated to generate heat inresponse to the second set of one or more control signals being receivedby the electrical stimulation unit from the remote controller. In someexamples, the remote controller includes a power button and a powerindicator. When the power button is first depressed, the controllerturns ON and starts being supplied with power. When the power button isdepressed again, the controller turns OFF and stops being supplied withpower. Additionally, the power button may incorporate the powerindicator, such that the power indicator is electrically coupled to apower supply in the controller and/or a processor to indicate whether ornot the controller is provided with power. Illustratively, the powerindicator may be an LED light, an incandescent lamp, a neon lamp, anaudible alarm, a flashing light, or any of various combinations thereof.

In some examples, the controller includes its own internal power supply.The internal power supply can be a rechargeable battery, or othersuitable energy storage device. The controller may further include acharging connector through which the internal power supply in thecontroller may be charged. The charging connector can be a USB chargeconnector.

In some examples, the therapy electrodes include Pulsed ElectromagneticField (PEMF) radiating antennas.

In some examples, the controller may control the PEMF radiating antennasemitting a radio frequency signal. In some examples, the radio frequencysignal may be in the range of 27-30 MHz. In some examples, the radiofrequency signal may be emitted at 27.12 MHz.

In some examples, the position of each heating pad on the inner portionof the therapy belt is corresponding to the position of one therapyelectrode on the outer portion of the therapy belt.

In some examples, the heating device may be a heating pad with aremovable and changeable gel pack that provides rapid initial warmingwhen exposed to the air.

In some examples, the controller further includes an electricalstimulation control button and an electrical stimulation indicator. Whenthe electrical stimulation control button is first depressed for a shortamount of time, the electrical stimulation apparatus turns ON and beginsgenerating therapeutic electrical signals. When the electricalstimulation control button is depressed again for a short amount oftime, the electrical stimulation apparatus turns OFF and stopsgenerating the therapeutic electrical signals. Additionally, theelectrical stimulation control button may incorporate the electricalstimulation indicator, such that the electrical stimulation indicator iselectrically coupled to a portable power supply and/or a power supply inthe controller and/or a processor, to indicate whether or not theelectrical stimulation apparatus is working. Illustratively, theelectrical stimulation indicator may be an LED light, an incandescentlamp, a neon lamp, an audible alarm, a flashing light, or any of variouscombinations thereof.

In some examples, the controller may further include a heating controlbutton and a heating indicator. When the heating control button is firstdepressed for a short amount of time, the heating apparatus turns ON andbegins heating. When the heating control button is depressed again for ashort amount of time, the heating apparatus turns OFF and stops heating.Additionally, the heating control button may incorporate the heatingindicator, such that the heating indicator is electrically coupled to aportable power supply and/or a power supply in the controller and/or aprocessor, to indicate whether or not the heating apparatus is working.Illustratively, the heating indicator may be an LED light, anincandescent lamp, a neon lamp, an audible alarm, a flashing light, orany of various combinations thereof.

In some examples, the controller may further include a connector throughwhich power is provided to the controller. The therapy belt may furtherinclude a portable power source that is placed in a pocket attached onthe outside of the therapy belt. Illustratively, a USB cable connectsthe portable power source and the connector, and provides power for thecontroller, and/or the heating apparatus, and/or the electricalstimulation apparatus from the portable power source.

In some examples, the therapy belt further includes a heating devicethat is placed in the interlayer of the therapy belt. The heating devicemay include at least two heaters. The heaters may comprise any ofresistance wires, graphene sheets, heating films, or any of variouscombinations thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus forapplying electrical stimulation to a foot of a human body. The apparatusincludes an electrical stimulation unit configured to generate at leastone electrical waveform. Two electrodes, operatively coupled to theelectrical stimulation unit, are configured to receive the at least oneelectrical waveform from the electrical stimulation unit. The twoelectrodes are insulated from each other. The two electrodes areprovided in a structure that is wearable on the foot of the human body.The structure is configured for providing electrical stimulation to thefoot. A remote controller is configured for controlling the electricalstimulation unit by generating and transmitting one or more controlsignals. The electrical stimulation unit includes a receiver configuredfor receiving the one or more control signals from the remotecontroller. In response to receiving the one or more control signalsfrom the remote controller, the electrical stimulation unit generatesthe at least one electrical waveform and applies the at least oneelectrical waveform to the two electrodes. The two electrodes areconfigured to deliver the generated at least one electrical waveform toa set of muscle groups or nerve areas within the foot that areelectromagnetically coupled to the two electrodes. At least one of thetwo electrodes is configured to be applied externally to the foot,underneath the foot, and in contact with the foot. The one or morecontrol signals cause the electrical stimulation unit to apply anelectric potential to the two electrodes to provide an electricalstimulation to the set of muscle groups or nerve areas within the footthat are electromagnetically coupled to the two electrodes.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wirelesselectrical stimulation system provides electrical stimulation to a footof a human body. The system comprises an electrical stimulation unitconfigured to generate at least one electrical waveform, and twoelectrodes operatively coupled to the electrical stimulation unit andconfigured to receive the at least one electrical waveform from theelectrical stimulation unit. The two electrodes are insulated from eachother, and the two electrodes are provided in a structure that iswearable on the foot. The structure is configured for providingelectrical stimulation to the foot. A wireless remote controller isconfigured for wirelessly controlling the electrical stimulation unit bygenerating and transmitting one or more wireless control signals. Theelectrical stimulation unit includes a wireless receiver configured forwirelessly receiving the one or more control signals from the remotecontroller. In response to receiving the one or more wireless controlsignals from the remote controller, the electrical stimulation unitgenerates the at least one electrical waveform and applies the at leastone electrical waveform to the two electrodes. The two electrodes areconfigured to deliver the generated at least one electrical waveform toa set of muscle groups or nerve areas within the foot that areelectromagnetically coupled to the two electrodes. At least one of thetwo electrodes is configured to be applied externally to the foot,underneath the foot, and in contact with the foot; and the one or morecontrol signals cause the electrical stimulation unit to apply anelectric potential to the two electrodes to provide an electricalstimulation to the set of muscle groups or nerve areas within the footthat are electromagnetically coupled to the two electrodes.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofutilizing an electrical stimulation device on a foot of a human body isprovided. The method comprises providing an electrical stimulation unitconfigured to generate at least one electrical waveform, and providing astructure that is wearable on the foot of the human body. The structurecomprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulatingmaterial that insulates the first electrode from the second electrode,the structure being configured for providing electrical stimulation tothe foot. The structure is applied to the foot, and the generated atleast one electrical waveform is applied to the first and secondelectrodes using a remote controller configured for controlling theelectrical stimulation unit by generating and transmitting one or morecontrol signals. The electrical stimulation unit includes a receiverconfigured for receiving the one or more control signals from the remotecontroller. The generated at least one electrical waveform is applied bydelivering the electrical waveform to a set of muscle groups or nerveareas within the foot that are electromagnetically coupled to the firstand second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are configured tobe applied externally to the foot and underneath the foot. The firstelectrode or the second electrode is configured to be in contact withthe foot; and the one or more control signals cause the electricalstimulation unit to apply an electric potential across the firstelectrode and the second electrode to provide an electrical stimulationto the set of muscle groups or nerve areas within the foot.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the structurethat is wearable on the foot of the human body comprises a pair ofinsoles. According to an illustrative example, the insole comprises abase, and a pair of stimulation electrodes placed on or in the base. Thepair of stimulation electrodes are insulated from each other, whereinthe pair of stimulation electrodes are configured for connecting with atleast one stimulation unit that delivers electrical waveforms or pulsesto foot tissue by the pair of stimulation electrodes.

In some examples, the insole further comprises a pair of male metalfasteners, each respective male metal fastener of the pair of metalfasteners being connected to a corresponding electrode of the pair ofstimulation electrodes, wherein the pair of male metal fasteners areconfigured for attachment to a pair of female metal fasteners, and thepair of male metal fasteners are configured for connection with at leastone stimulation unit using the pair of female metal fasteners.

In some examples, the insole may be used in a sandal.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a glove incorporatingelectrical stimulation. Thus, examples of the present disclosure can beused to conveniently control a glove to deliver electrical stimulationwaveforms or pulses to particular areas of the human hand and/or bodyfor performing nerve and/or muscle stimulation.

According to an illustrative example, the glove includes at least alayer comprising a conductive portion woven with an insulating portion.The glove further includes a male fastener that is electricallyconnected with the layer and configured for attachment to a femalefastener that is located on an electrical stimulation unit.

In some examples, the electrical stimulation unit further includes aconnector configured for connection to an electrode pad via an electrodewire.

In some examples, the electrode pad includes a flexible substrate sothat it can be easily applied on a body surface.

In some examples, the electrode pad includes at least an electrode.

In some examples, the electrical stimulation unit is remotely andwirelessly controlled by a transmitter to deliver time-varyingelectrical waveforms or pulses to tissue via the electrodes connectedwith the electrical stimulation unit.

In some examples, the conductive portion of the layer of the glove ismade of silver threads.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected examples and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a view of an example of an electrical stimulation systemaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transmitter of the wireless electricalstimulation system;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the transmitter;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the electrode substrate;

FIG. 5 is a back elevation view of the electrode substrate;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views illustrating attachment of theelectrode substrate of FIGS. 4 and 5 to the electrical stimulation unit;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate exemplary waveforms for an operating mode 1;

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate exemplary waveforms for an operating mode 2;

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate exemplary waveforms for an operating mode 3;

FIGS. 15-19 illustrate exemplary waveforms for an operating mode 4;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of another transmitter having a timeselector button;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an electrode substrate of the wirelesselectrical stimulation system;

FIG. 22 is a receiver connected with the charging cable of the wirelesselectrical stimulation system;

FIG. 23 is a charging cable of the wireless electrical stimulationsystem;

FIG. 24 is the transmitter connected with the charging cable;

FIG. 25 is a smart phone having an application running as a transmitterof the wireless electrical stimulation system;

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of the wireless electricalstimulation system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of the transmitter of the wirelesselectrical stimulation system;

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the receiver/electricalstimulation unit of the wireless electrical stimulation system;

FIG. 29 is an exemplary X-cable of the wireless electrical stimulationsystem;

FIG. 30 illustrates a receiver/electrical stimulation unit connectedwith electrodes using the exemplary X-cable of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 illustrates another exemplary X-cable adapted to connect withelectrodes of the wireless electrical stimulation system;

FIG. 32 is an exemplary Y-cable of the wireless electrical stimulationsystem; and

FIG. 33 illustrates a receiver/electrical stimulation unit connectedwith electrodes using the exemplary Y-cable of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating another example of anelectrical stimulation system according to the present disclosure, wherethe electrical stimulation unit is attached to another exemplaryelectrode substrate having a butter-fly shape;

FIG. 35 is a front elevation view of the electrode substrate of FIG. 34:

FIG. 36 is another exemplary Y-cable of the wireless electricalstimulation system;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating the electrical stimulationunit of FIG. 34 attached with electrode substrate of FIG. 35 andconnected with additional electrodes using the exemplary Y-cable of FIG.36;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating the electrical stimulationunit of FIG. 34 connected with electrodes using the exemplary X-cable ofFIG. 29;

FIG. 39 is a view of an outer portion of a therapy belt according to oneexample of the present disclosure;

FIG. 40 is a view of an inner portion of the therapy belt of FIG. 39according to one example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 41 is a view of an outer portion of a therapy belt according toanother example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 42 is a view of an inner portion of the therapy belt of FIG. 41according to another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is a top view of an insole according to one example of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 44 is an electrical stimulation system according to one example ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 45 is a view of a transmitter according to one example of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 46 is a view of a pair of gloves connecting with an electronic unitthat is wirelessly controlled by a transmitter according to one exampleof the present disclosure;

FIG. 47 is a detailed view of a transmitter according to one example ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 48 is a view of an electrode pad configured for connecting with anelectrical stimulation unit according to one example of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 49 is a detailed view of a glove including a conductive portionwoven with an insulating portion according to one example of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 50 is a top view of a sandal according to one example of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 51 is a top view of a sandal according to one example of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 52 is a top view of a sandal according to one example of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 53 is a top view of the sandal of FIG. 52 connected with anelectrical stimulation unit;

FIG. 54 is a rear view of the electrical stimulation unit of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a top view of a sandal according to one example of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 56 is a top view of the sandal of FIG. 55 connected with anelectrical stimulation unit;

FIG. 57 is a rear view of the electrical stimulation unit of FIG. 56;and

FIG. 58 is a top view of a sandal according to one example of thepresent disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example will now be described more fully with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

Examples of the present disclosure provide wireless electricalstimulation systems and operating methods of a plurality of wirelesselectrical stimulation units on a subject. Thus examples of the presentdisclosure can be used to conveniently control electrode pads to deliverelectrical pulses to particular areas of human bodies for nerve and/ormuscle stimulation.

As shown in FIG. 1, an example of a wireless electrical stimulationsystem 100 generally includes at least two electrical stimulation units102, 104, and a transmitter 106. The transmitter 106 remotely,wirelessly controls each of the electrical stimulation units 102, 104 todeliver electrical pulses to body tissue via electrode pads 107connected to the electrical stimulation unit. The number of theelectrical stimulation units can be as many as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the transmitter 106 generally includes a unitselector 108 for selecting one electrical stimulation units to controlwith the transmitter 106. In this example the unit selector 108 is asingle remote control button that allows the user to select a channel toremotely, wirelessly transmit operating instructions to one of theplurality of wireless electrical stimulation units. The unit selectorbutton 108 preferably has a letter “C” on it, indicating to the userthat the button 108 controls the channel selection. A user can selectdifferent wireless electrical stimulation unit by pressing the button108, which can cycle through the available channels. In an alternativeexample, pressing the button 108 switches the transmitter to the channelmode, and the channel can be increased by pressing increase and decreasebuttons 120 and 122, described in more detail below.

The transmitter 106 preferably also includes a display 110 forindicating which of the electrical stimulation units has been selected.When the user presses the button 108, the letter “C” on the display 110flashes and indicates that the transmitter 106 is selecting a channelthereby selecting an electrical stimulation unit to control with. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, a number “3” displayed by the letter “C” onthe display 110 indicates a communication connection to the number 3electrical stimulation unit. Pressing the button 108 again changes thechannel on which the transmitter 106 operates and thus changes theelectrical stimulation unit the transmitter 106 controls, and changesthe number displayed on the display 110.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, an electrode pad 107 having a pair of electrodes142 is provided. An electrode pad 107 is preferably releasably connectedwith each electrical stimulation unit to apply a time-varying electricpotential to the electrodes 142 to provide an electrical stimulation totissue in electrical contact with the electrodes. In some examples, aprocessor (not shown) may be provided in the electrical stimulationunits to apply time-varying electric potential to the electrodes. Theelectrode pads 107 preferably have a pair of male metal snaps 114 forattaching to a pair of female metal snaps 115 on the electricalstimulation units. The metal snaps can alternatively be some other typeor design of fastener for releasably engaging and electricallyconnecting the electrode pad 107 to the electrical stimulation unit.

The electrode pad 107 preferably includes a flexible substrate so thatit can be easily applied on a body surface, for example, ankles, knees,wrists, shoulders, neck, etc. In other examples, the electrodes can alsobe carried on an article of clothing (e.g., accessories as gloves,socks, slippers, hats, etc.). The article of clothing preferablyincludes a pair of fasteners for removably attaching and electricallyconnecting with the electrical stimulation unit, forming an electroniccircuit to apply an electrical stimulation to tissue in electricalcontact with the electrodes.

At least some of the electrical stimulation units have at least twooperating modes, each of which applies a time-varying electricalpotential to the electrodes in a different pattern. FIGS. 8-19illustrate some exemplary waveforms for four exemplary operating modes.Of course fewer or additional, or different operating modes havingdifferent pulse frequencies, pulse-widths, treatment pattern repetitioncycles and amplitudes, can be provided. Below is a table summarizing thefour example operating modes:

TABLE 1 Parameters for four Modes Testing With a Load of 1 KΩ TreatmentPulse Pulse- pattern frequency width repetition Amplitude (Hz) (μs)cycle(s) (V) Mode 1 (FIGS. 8-9) 52 100 4.5 60 Mode 2 (FIGS. 10-12) 11100 4.5 75 Mode 3 (FIGS. 13-14) 1.2 100 continuous 75 Mode 4 (FIGS.15-19) 1^(st) Stage: 1.9-8.3 100 75 2^(nd) Stage: 60 100 90 (total) 583^(rd) Stage:   1-11.5 100 75 4^(th) Stage: 53.5 100 60

The transmitter 106 preferably further includes a mode selector forselecting an operating mode for each electrical stimulation unit. Themode selector is preferably a single remote control button 112 that canbe used to remotely, wirelessly transmit operating instructions of auser selected operating mode to the selected one of the plurality ofwireless electrical stimulation units. The unit selector button 108preferably has a letter “M” on it, indicating to the user that thebutton controls the mode. A user can select different operating modes bypressing the button 112, which cycles through the available modes. Auser can select different wireless electrical stimulation unit bypressing the button 108, which can cycle through the available channels.In an alternative example, pressing the button 112 switches thetransmitter to the operating mode, and the mode can be changed bypressing increase and decrease buttons 120 and 122, described in moredetail below.

The transmitter 106 can further include a display 116 for indicatingwhich of the operating modes has been selected. When the user pressesthe mode selector 112, the letter “M” on the display 116 flashes andindicates that the transmitter 106 is selecting an operating mode for aselected electrical stimulation unit. For example shown in FIG. 3, anumber “3” displayed adjacent the letter “M” on the display 110indicates an operating mode 3 is selected for the selected electricalstimulation unit. Pressing the mode selector 112 can change the numberdisplayed and thereby change the operating modes of the selectedelectrical stimulation unit to be controlled with. Alternatively, themode selector button 112 can be pressed to enter the mode selectionmode, and then the increase and decrease buttons 120 and 122 can beoperated to select the desired mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitspreferably include a working status indicator 118. The working statusindicator 118 is “on” when the electrical stimulation unit is poweredon. When an electrical stimulation unit 102, 104 is selected to becontrolled, the working status indicator 118 of this selected electricalstimulation unit 102, 104 flashes or blinks in response to the operatinginstructions transmitted from the transmitter 106.

At least some of the electrical stimulation units are capable ofoperating at at least two intensities. As shown in FIG. 3, thetransmitter 106 includes an intensity selector for selecting differentintensities. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-3, the intensity selectorconsists of an increase button 120 and a decrease button 122 forincreasing and decreasing the operating intensity for the electricalstimulation unit to be controlled with. The increase button 120 anddecrease button 122 are remote control buttons that remotely, wirelesslytransmits operating instructions of a user selected intensity to aselected one of the plurality of wireless electrical stimulation units.The increase and decrease buttons 120 and 122 preferably have “+” and“−” signs respectively, to indicate their function to the user. A usercan adjust the operating intensity by pressing the buttons 120 and 122to a level the user desires.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transmitter 106 can further include a display124 for indicating the level of the operating intensity that has beenselected. When the user presses either the increase button 120 or thedecrease button 122, the word “intensity” on the display 124 flashes andindicates that the transmitter 106 is selecting an operating intensityfor the selected electrical stimulation unit. The display 124 preferablyshows a number of bars along the circumferential edge of the displayindicating the level of the intensity.

In an alternative example shown in FIG. 20, the transmitter 106′preferably includes a time selector 126 for selecting a preferredoperating time period for at least some of the electrical stimulationunits. The time selector 126 is a single remote control button thatremotely, wirelessly transmits operating instructions of a user selectedoperating time period/duration to a selected electrical stimulationunit. The time selector button 126 preferably has a letter “T” on it. Auser can select different operating time period by continuing to pressthe button 126.

As shown in FIG. 20, the transmitter 106′ further can include a display128 for indicating the operating time period selected. When the userpresses the time selector button 126, the number on the digital display128 changes and indicates the operating time (preferably in minutes)being selected for a selected electrical stimulation unit to controlwith. The display 124 is preferably a digital display showing the numberof minutes selected by the user.

In some examples, at least some of the electrical stimulation units turnoff when communication with the transmitter 106 is interrupted. In someexamples, at least some of the electrical stimulation unit turns off apredetermined time after communication with the transmitter isinterrupted. The predetermined time, for example, can be one quarterhour, one half an hour, or an hour. The communication may be interrupteddue to a long distance between the electrical stimulation unit and thetransmitter. For example, wireless communication technologies typicallyhave a range of about 15 meters outdoors and about 10 meters indoors.The communication may alternatively be interrupted because thetransmitter is turned off, or runs out of power. Accordingly, the usercan turn off the transmitter to save battery, while the electricalstimulation units can continue operating at the preselected intensityand mode for the predetermined time. This feature may help the user staysafer when using the wireless electrical stimulation system.

In some examples, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitspreferably include a power switch 130 as shown in FIG. 7. The workingstatus indicator 118 is on/off when the power switch is pressed on/offrespectively.

Additionally, the transmitter and each electrical stimulation unitpreferably include their own internal power supply (not shown). Theinternal power supply is preferably a rechargeable battery, or othersuitable energy storage device. Each electrical stimulation unitpreferably includes a charging indicator 132 as shown in FIG. 21. Thecharging indicator 132 is on when the electrical stimulation unit 104 ischarging, and turns off when the electrical stimulation unit 104 iseither disconnected form the charging source or is fully charged. Eachelectrical stimulation unit is preferably charged using a USB connector134 connecting to an AC adapter 136. As shown in FIGS. 22-24, the USBconnector 134 and the AC adapter 136 can also be used to charge arechargeable battery in the transmitter 106. The transmitter 106preferably includes a battery display 138 indicates the state of chargeand/or charging status.

Alternatively, the transmitter 106″ can be a smart phone running anapplication as shown in FIG. 25. The smart phone applications havedifferent control buttons for the user to tap on to select the operatingmodes, operating time period, channels, intensity, massage strength andfrequency, etc. For example shown in FIG. 25, the smart phoneapplication can have a mode selector 140 for selecting an operating modefor at least some of the electrical stimulation units. The mode selector140 preferably includes a group of buttons indicating differentoperating modes to choose from. The smart phone application preferablyincludes a time selector 144 for selecting/displaying a preferredoperating time period for at least some of the electrical stimulationunits. The time selector 144 preferably includes a virtual dial timer. Auser can select a preferred operating time period by dialing the virtualdial timer of the time selector 144. The smart phone application furtherpreferably includes an intensity selector 146 and a frequency selector148 for selecting a preferred operating intensity and a preferredoperating frequency respectively. The intensity selector 146 preferablyincludes an increasing button 120′ and a decreasing button 122′. A usercan adjust the operating intensity by pressing the buttons 120′ and 122′to a level the user desires. The frequency selector 148 preferablyincludes a virtual slider control. A user can adjust the operatingfrequency by sliding the virtual slider control of the frequencyselector 148 to a frequency the user desires.

In some examples, the transmitter wirelessly communicates with theelectrical stimulation units via RF protocol operating in the 2.4 GHzband. For example, Bluetooth or Wifi technologies may be used.

As shown in FIG. 26, one transmitter having a master RF transceiver chipcan wirelessly control multiple electrical stimulation units havingslave RF transceiver chips as receivers through 2.4 GHz wirelessconnections.

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of the transmitter of the wirelesselectrical stimulation system. The transmitter generally includes themaster RF transceiver chip (3) with its input and output connected to amaster transceiver antenna (9) and a master microcontroller (5). All thefunction keys of the master controller (6) are connected to the inputsof the master microcontroller (5). The master control LCD display screen(7) is connected to the output of master microcontroller (5). The inputof the master RF transceiver chip (3) may also be connected to an outputof a master crystal oscillator (8). A master power management circuit(4) generally supplies the electrical power to the master RF transceiverchip (3) and the master microcontroller (5). The master controllerfunction keys (6) preferably include a channel selector “C”, a modeselector “M”, a time selector “T”, an intensity increaser “+”, and anintensity decreaser “−”, etc.

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the receiver/electricalstimulation unit of the wireless electrical stimulation system. Thereceiver/electrical stimulation unit generally includes a slave RFtransceiver chip (10) with its input and output connected to a slavetransceiver antenna (18) and a slave microcontroller (11). A slaveworking status indicator light (12) and a slave controller chargingindicator light (13) are connected to the input and output of the slavemicrocontroller (11). A power switch is connected to the input andoutput of the slave microcontroller (11). An electrode A (15) and anelectrode B (14) are connected to the outputs of the slavemicrocontroller (12). The input of the slave RF transceiver chip (10) isconnected to an output of a slave crystal oscillator (17). A slave powermanagement circuit (16) generally supplies the electrical power to theslave RF transceiver chip (10) and the slave microcontroller (11). Theslave microcontroller may also control a slave working status indicatorlight (12) and a slave charging indicator light.

The wireless operation of a plurality of electrical stimulation units isimplemented with the communication between the master RF transceiverchip (3) of the wireless transmitter (1) and the wireless slave RFtransceiver chip (10) of the wireless receiver (2).

The master and slave RF transceiver chip (3), (10) is a highlyintegrated 2.4 GHz wireless transceiver chip. The master and slavemicrocontrollers (5) and (11) communicate with each other by using atransmit-receive FIFO register on the chip to store the data, and thentransfer at a maximum 2 Mbps rate in the air to accomplish the wirelesscontrol.

The slave RF transceiver chip (10) is preferably a highly integrated 2.4GHz RF transceiver chip. The slave RF transceiver chip (10) receives adata packet from the transmitter. The data packet is preferably an 8-bitunsigned data packet and is preferably stored in a First-In-First-Out(FIFO) register. The slave RF transceiver chip (10) then sends anAcknowledgement (ACK) signal to the transmitter to notify thetransmitter that the data packet has been safely received. The maximumdata transfer rate is preferably 2 Mbps. The buffer of the FIFO registeris cleared after a communication is finished and the register is readyfor the next communication.

The transmitter of the wireless electrical stimulation system preferablymatches the code sent by each electrical stimulation units with apredetermined code before connecting with one of the plurality of theelectrical stimulation units to further control the operation of eachelectrical stimulation unit. The transmitter preferably communicateswith different electrical stimulation units on different channels atdifferent frequencies. Alternatively the communication could be on thesame channel at the same frequency, with each message encoded for aparticular electrical stimulation unit. Of course in some applicationsit may be desirable that a transmitter simultaneously control multipleelectrical stimulation units, and thus in some examples at least some ofthe electrical stimulation units operate on the same channel orfrequency, or are responsive to the same encoded signals.

Further, in order to allow more convenient control, the transmitter ofthe wireless electrical stimulation system preferably consolidates allthe necessary selector displays on one single LCD screen. The LCD screenalso displays the working status of the electrical stimulation units,such as the operating modes, the operating intensities, the operationtime periods, etc., and the status of the transmitter, such as the stateof the charge and the receivers currently being controlled, etc.

In an alternative example, an electrical stimulation system may furtherinclude a cable configured to electrically connect the electricalstimulation unit to at least two electrodes to apply electricalstimulation signals from the electrical stimulation unit to theelectrodes positioned remotely from the electrical stimulation unit.Thus, the electrodes can be adapted to be disposed in electrical contactwith a subject's body located far away from the single electricalstimulation unit. Further, the electrodes can also be disposed spacedapart from each other so that parts of the subject's body spaced furtherapart from each other can be treated. For example, limbs of the body,sides of the back, and/or sides of the waist, etc. This has largelyincreased applications of the electrical stimulation system.

FIGS. 29-30 illustrate an exemplary cable 250 that can be used toelectrically connect an electrical stimulation unit 204 to the twoelectrodes 207 a, 207 b to apply electrical stimulation signals from theelectrical stimulation unit 204 to the electrodes 207 a, 207 bpositioned remotely from the electrical stimulation unit 204,

As shown in FIGS. 29-30, the exemplary cable 250 is an X-cable havingtwo input branches 252 a, 252 b and two output branches 254 a, 254 b,connectors 256 a, 256 b on each of the input branches 252 a, 252 badapted to be connected to the electrical stimulation unit 204, andconnectors 258 a, 258 b on each of the output branches 254 a, 254 badapted to connected to electrodes 207 a, 207 b respectively. The cable250 may include two plastic wrapped flexible copper wires 250 a, 250 bthat are bonded with each other in parallel. The two bonded wrappedwires may be easily torn apart so that the two branches 254 a, 254 b canbecome longer and connectors 258 a, 258 b can be spaced further apartfrom each other, such that parts of the body spaced further apart fromeach other and from the electrical stimulation unit 204 can be treated.

In some examples, the connectors 256 a, 256 b on the input branches 252a, 252 b can be permanently attached (e.g., soldered, welded, brazed,cemented, etc.) to the electrical stimulation unit 204.

Additionally, the connectors 258 a, 258 b on the output branches 254 a,254 b of some examples can be permanently attached (e.g., soldered,welded, brazed, cemented, etc.) to electrodes 207 a, 207 b respectively.

In some examples, the connectors 256 a, 256 b on the input branches 252a, 252 b may include metal fasteners configured for removably couplingwith corresponding structures of the electrical stimulation unit 204.For example, as shown in FIGS. 29-30, the metal fasteners on theconnectors 256 a, 256 b may be a pair of female metal snaps forattaching to a pair of male metal snaps on the electrical stimulationunit 204, or vice versa.

In some examples, the connectors 258 a, 258 b on the output branches 254a, 254 b may also include fasteners configured for removably couplingwith corresponding structures on the electrodes 207 a, 207 brespectively. For example, as shown in FIGS. 29-30, the metal fastenerson the connectors 258 a, 258 b may be a pair of male metal snaps 260 a,260 b for attaching to a pair of female metal snaps on the electrodes207 a, 207 b, or vice versa.

The metal snaps can alternatively be some other type or design offastener for releasably engaging and electrically connecting the cable250 to the electrical stimulation unit 204 and/or the electrodes 207 a,207 b. Some other fastening force may also be used, such as withmagnets, vacuum (like suction cups), or even friction.

An electronic circuit is formed by the cable 250 connecting from theelectrical stimulation unit 204 to the electrodes 207 a, 207 b to applyan electrical stimulation to tissue in electrical contact with theelectrodes 207 a, 207 b.

The electrodes 207 a, 207 b can be carried on substrates adapted to beapplied on a body surface. In some examples, the electrodes 207 a, 207 bcan be carried on a pair of articles of clothing (e.g., a pair ofgloves, a pair of socks, a pair of slippers, etc.) that can directlycontact particular areas of the body surface.

FIG. 31 shows an alternative X-cable 350 that is used to electricallyconnect an electrical stimulation unit to the two electrodes 307 a, 307b, The X-cable includes similar features/structures as the X-cable 250except that the connectors 358 a, 358 b of the output branches 354 a,354 b may include needle/plug style connectors configured for removablyinterfacing with corresponding needle/plug style connectors 314 a, 314 battached on the electrodes 207 a, 207 b respectively. For example, asshown in FIG. 31, the connectors 358 a, 358 b may include metal pins 360a, 360 b for inserting into sockets 362 a, 362 b of connectors 314 a,314 b of the electrodes 307 a, 307 b, or vice versa. Specifically, theneedle/plug style connectors may be 3.5 mm standard connectors.

FIGS. 32-33 illustrate a Y-cable 450 that can be used to electricallyconnect an electrical stimulation unit 404 to the two electrodes 407 a,407 b to apply electrical stimulation signals from the electricalstimulation unit 404 to the electrodes 407 a, 407 b positioned remotelyfrom the electrical stimulation unit 404,

As shown in FIGS. 32-33, the Y-cable 450 includes a stem 464 and twobranches 454 a, 454 b, with a plug 456 disposed on the end of the stem464 and connectors 458 a, 458 b disposed on the branches 454 a, 454 brespectively. The plug 456 is configured to couple with a socket 466 onthe electrical stimulation unit 404. Similar to the X-cables 250, 350,each of the connectors 458 a, 458 b are configured for attaching andelectrically connecting to electrodes 407 a, 407 b respectively. Alsosimilar to cables 250, 350, the two bonded wrapped wires of the stem 464can be easily torn apart so that the two branches 454 a, 454 b becomelonger and connectors 458 a, 458 b can be spaced further apart from eachother, such that the electrodes 407 a, 407 b can treat further apartspaced parts of the body.

Similar to the cable 250, the connectors 458 a, 458 b on the branches454 a, 454 b of some examples can be permanently attached (e.g.,soldered, welded, brazed, cemented, etc.) with electrodes 407 a, 407 brespectively.

In some examples, the connectors 458 a, 458 b on the output branches 454a, 454 b may also include fasteners configured for removably couplingwith corresponding structures on the electrodes 407 a, 407 brespectively. For example, the metal fasteners on the connectors 458 a,458 b may be a pair of male metal snaps 460 a, 460 b for attaching to apair of female metal snaps on the electrodes 407 a, 407 b, or viceversa.

The metal snaps can alternatively be some other type or design offastener for releasably engaging and electrically connecting the cable450 to the electrodes 407 a, 407 b. Some other fastening force may alsobe used, such as with magnets, vacuum (like suction cups), or evenfriction.

In some examples, the plug 456 may be a 3.5 mm standard plug configuredfor inserting into the socket 468 of the stimulation unit 404 to receiveelectrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation unit 404.

FIGS. 34-38 illustrate another example of an electrical stimulationsystem 200 according to the present disclosure. In the example shown byFIG. 34, the system 200 generally includes at least two electrodescarried on a single substrate 507 adapted to be disposed in electricalcontact with a body surface, and an electrical stimulation unit 202configured to deliver electrical pulses to muscle groups or nerveendings adjacent a body surface that is in electrical contact with theat least two electrodes. The electrical stimulation unit 202 includes anon-board controller configured for controlling the stimulation unit 202to deliver electrical pulses for pain relief and/or muscle relaxation.

In some examples, at least some of the electrical stimulation units arecapable of operating at at least two intensities. As shown in FIG. 34,the electrical stimulation unit 202 includes intensity selectors, 220,222 for selecting different intensities. In the example shown in FIG.34, the intensity selectors include an increase button 220 and adecrease button 222 for increasing and decreasing the operatingintensity for the electrical stimulation unit to be controlled with theon-board controller. For example, the increase button 220 and decreasebutton 222 are pressed and transmit operating instructions of a userselected intensity to the on-board controller thereby operating theelectrical stimulation unit 202 at the selected intensity. The increaseand decrease buttons 220 and 222 preferably have “+” and ‘-’ signsrespectively, to indicate their function to the user. A user can adjustthe operating intensity by pressing the buttons 220 and 222 to a levelthe user desires.

In some examples, the electrical stimulation unit is operable at aplurality of operating modes, each of which applies a differenttime-varying electrical potential to the at least two electrodes. Theon-board controller includes a mode selector for selecting one of theplurality of operating modes for the electrical stimulation unit.

The electrical stimulation unit 202 preferably further includes a modeselector 212 for selecting an operating mode for the electricalstimulation unit 202. The mode selector 212 is configured for a user toselect one of a plurality of operating modes for the electricalstimulation unit 202. The mode selector button 212 preferably has aletter “M” on it, indicating to the user that the button controls themode. A user can select different operating modes by pressing the button212, which cycles through the available modes. The mode selector button212 can be pressed to enter the mode selection mode, and the increaseand decrease buttons 220 and 222 can be operated to select the desiredmode.

In some examples, the electrical stimulation unit 202 includes a timeselector 226 for selecting a preferred operating time period. The timeselector 226 is a single remote control button that transmits operatinginstructions of a user selected operating time period/duration to theon-board controller thereby operating the electrical stimulation unitfor the selected time period. The time selector button 226 preferablyhas a letter “T” on it. A user can select different operating timeperiod by continuing to press the button 226.

In some examples, the electrical stimulation unit 202 may furtherinclude an audible alarm configured to send an alert in response to atleast one operating instruction.

As shown in FIGS. 34-35, the single substrate 507 has a generalbutterfly or a bone shape, with first and second lobes 517 a, 517 bjoined at a central junction or portion 517 c. The substrate 507 is agenerally thin, flexible planar adapted to be disposed in electricalcontact with a body surface. As shown in FIG. 35, the two lobes 517 a,517 b extend from the central junction or portion 517 c to the twoopposite sides of the central portion 517 c. The widths of the two lobesare substantially the same and larger than the width of the centralportion 517 c. Although FIGS. 34, 35, and 37 illustrate that the singlesubstrate 507 generally includes a butterfly or bone shape. Othergeometric shapes of the single substrate 507 are contemplated with thescope of the invention. Example shapes include, without limitation,circular, rectangular, square, oval, triangular, and polygonal shapes.

Similar to the substrate 107, as shown in FIG. 35, the single substrate507 may preferably include a pair of male metal snaps 514 for attachingto a pair of female metal snaps on the electrical stimulation unit 202.The metal snaps can alternatively be some other type or design offastener for releasably engaging and electrically connecting theelectrode pad 507 to the electrical stimulation unit.

In some examples, the system 200 further includes a cable electricallyconnecting the electrical stimulation unit 202 to at least twoelectrodes to deliver the electrical pulses from the electricalstimulation unit 202 to the at least two electrodes positioned remotelyfrom the electrical stimulation unit. The cable can be, for example, theX-shaped cable 250 or the Y-shaped cable 450, as disclosed above.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 36, the cable can be a Y-shaped cablewith a stem 564 and two branches 554 a, 554 b, with a connector 556disposed on the free end of the stem 564, and connectors 558 a, 558 brespectively disposed on each end of the branches. Unlike the Y-shapedcable 450 of FIG. 32 with a regular plug 456 disposed on the end of thestem 464, the Y-shaped cable 550 shown in FIG. 37 includes a differenttype of connector 556 (e.g., a Centronics connector, a DB connector, anInternal connector, or a USB connector, etc.) disposed on the end of thestem 564 configured to electrically couple with a mating connector onthe electrical stimulation unit 202, and each of the connectors 558 a,558 b on the branches 554 a, 554 b is configured for electricallyconnecting to each electrode of two additional auxiliary substrates.

Similar to Y-shaped cable 450 of FIG. 32, the connector on each of thebranches may permanently attach the branches to the electrodes on thesubstrate. Alternatively, the connector on each of the branches mayinclude a metal fastener configured for removably connection to theelectrodes on the substrate.

In this example shown in FIGS. 34 and 37, the at least two electrodescarried on the single substrate 507 are connected directly to theelectrical stimulation unit 202.

As shown in FIG. 37, the system additionally includes a first auxiliaryelectrode carried on the first auxiliary substrate 207 a, and a secondauxiliary elected carried on a second auxiliary substrate 207 b, and acable having at least one connector configured to electrically couplewith a mating connector on the electrical stimulation unit 202, andconnectors configured for electrically connecting to each of the firstand second auxiliary electrodes, spaced remotely from the electricalstimulation unit 202 and from each other.

In this example shown in FIG. 37, the first and the second auxiliarysubstrates 207 a, 207 b each have a leaf or a hand shape.

Alternative, as shown in FIG. 38, when the cable has an X-shapedconfiguration, which includes first and second input branches, and firstand second output branches, connectors 256 a, 256 b on each of the inputbranches adapted to be connected to the electrical stimulation unit 202,and connectors 258 a, 258 b on each of the output branches configuredfor electrically connecting to one of the first and second auxiliaryelectrodes 207 a, 207 b.

In some examples, the connectors 256 a, 256 b on the input branches ofthe X-shaped cable 250 are configured for permanently attaching with theelectrical stimulation unit 202.

Alternatively, in some other examples, the connectors 256 a, 256 b onthe input branches of the X-shaped cable 250 include metal fastenersconfigured for removably coupling with corresponding structures of theelectrical stimulation unit 202.

In some examples, the connectors 258 a, 258 b on the output branches ofthe X-shaped cable 250 are configured for permanently attaching to thefirst and second auxiliary electrodes 207 a, 207 b.

In some examples, the connectors 258 a, 258 b on the output branches ofthe X-cable 250 include metal fasteners configured for removablyattaching to the first and second auxiliary electrodes 207 a, 207 b.

Sometimes, heat may increase blood flow and make connective tissue moreflexible. The heat may temporarily block pain, help reduce inflammationand stiffness, and improve range of motion. Thus, heat may be applied toa body surface or to deep tissues. Hot packs, infrared heat andhydrotherapy provide surface heat. Electric currents or ultrasoundgenerate heat in deep tissues. Therefore, there may be a need toincorporate a body surface heating function and a deep tissues heatingfunction so as to improve the therapeutic effect of electricalstimulation systems.

Acupoints are stimulated by acupuncture. With the implementation ofelectrical stimulation systems, however, electrotherapy can be a maj ormeans of acupoint stimulation, given the fact that acupoints have lowelectrical resistance and high conductivity. Therefore, there may be aneed to incorporate electrical stimulation and acupuncture to treat, forexample, feet and hands, where many acupoints are located.

FIG. 39 is a view of an outer portion of a therapy belt according to oneexample of the present disclosure. A therapy belt 3400 includes an outerportion as shown in FIG. 39, and the therapy belt 3400 also includes aninner portion as shown in FIG. 40. The outer portion of the therapy belt3400 (FIG. 39) illustrates the therapy belt 3400 along an outercircumference, and the inner portion of the therapy belt 3400 (FIG. 40)illustrates the therapy belt 3400 along an inner circumference. Aninterlayer is formed between the outer portion of the therapy belt 3400(FIG. 39) and the inner portion of the therapy belt 3400 (FIG. 40). Asshown in FIG. 39, the therapy belt 3400 includes at least two therapyelectrodes 3402 that are placed in the interlayer of the therapy belt3400. The therapy electrodes 3402 may each include a correspondingPulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) radiating antenna or another typeof antenna. Alternatively or additionally, one or more antennas may belocated anywhere on the therapy belt 3400. When more than one antenna isprovided, each antenna can each be implemented using the same type ofantenna, or alternatively, each antenna can be implemented using adifferent type of antenna. In some examples, each of the antennas may bepositioned such that no antenna overlaps any of the therapy electrodes3402.

The therapy belt 3400 may also include a controller 3404 that is placedon the outer portion of the therapy belt 3400. The controller 3404 isconfigured for controlling each of the therapy electrodes 3402 to applya time-varying electrical signal or waveform to body tissue. Forexample, the controller 3404 may control the PEMF radiating antennas toemit a radio frequency signal. In some examples, the radio frequencysignal may be in the range of 27-30 MHz, or at a frequency of 27.12 MHz.

As illustrated in FIG. 39, the controller 3404 may include a powerbutton 3444 and a power indicator 3442. In one example, when the powerbutton 3444 is first depressed or is simply pushed, the controller 3404turns ON and begins being supplied with power. When the power button3444 is depressed or is pushed again, the controller turns OFF and stopsbeing supplied with power. Additionally, the power button 3444 mayincorporate the power indicator 3442, such that the power indicator 3442is electrically coupled to a power supply (not illustrated) in thecontroller 3404, and/or a processor, to indicate whether or not thecontroller 3404 is working, which is indicative of whether the powersupply is in an ON condition versus an OFF condition. For example, thepower indicator 3442 may be a light that illuminates in response to thepower supply being ON. The power indicator 3442 may be a light that isin an off state which indicates that the power supply is OFF.Illustratively, the power indicator 3442 may be an LED light, anincandescent lamp, a neon lamp, an audible alarm, a flashing light, orany of various combinations thereof.

The controller 3404 may include its own internal power supply (notshown). The internal power supply may be a battery, or other suitableenergy storage device. The battery may be rechargeable, or removable orboth rechargeable and removable. The controller 3404 may further includea charging connector 3446 through which the internal power supply in thecontroller 3404 may be charged. The charging connector 3446 may be a USBcharging connector or the like.

FIG. 40 is a view of the inner portion of the therapy belt 3400 of FIG.39 according to one example of the present disclosure. The inner portionof the therapy belt 3400 (FIG. 40) illustrates the therapy belt 3400along an inner circumference. The therapy belt 3400 may further includeat least two heating pads 3401 that may be placed along the innercircumference of the therapy belt 3400 and may be in direct contact, orthermally coupled, with a person's skin when the person wears thetherapy belt 3400. The position of each respective heating pad of theheating pads 3401 (FIG. 40) on the inner portion of the therapy belt3400 may or may not be arranged to correspond to the position of acorresponding therapy electrode of the therapy electrodes 3402 (FIG. 39)on the outer portion of the therapy belt 3400. The heating pads 3401(FIG. 40) may each be a heating pad with a removable and changeable gelpack that provides rapid initial warming when exposed to the air.

FIG. 41 is a view of an outer portion of a therapy belt 3600 accordingto one example of the present disclosure. The outer portion of thetherapy belt 3600 illustrates the therapy belt 3600 along an outercircumference. In this example, the therapy belt 3600 includes a heatingdevice and an electrical stimulation device. The electrical stimulationdevice includes at least two therapy electrodes 3602 that are eachconfigured to emit electrical or radio frequency (RF) signals.

In this example, the therapy belt 3600 includes the outer portion (FIG.41) as well as an inner portion (FIG. 42). An interlayer is formedbetween the outer portion of the therapy belt 3600 (FIG. 41) and theinner portion of the therapy belt 3600 (FIG. 42). The at least twotherapy electrodes 3602 (FIG. 41) are placed in the interlayer of thetherapy belt 3600. One or more respective therapy electrodes of the atleast two therapy electrodes 3602 may include a corresponding PEMFradiating antenna that communicates with a controller to control oractivate the one or more respective therapy electrodes. In someimplementations, one PEMF radiating antenna may be used. In otherimplementations, a plurality of PEMF radiating antennas may be provided,and in still other implementations, one or more antennas other than PEMFradiating antennas are provided. Illustratively, one or more antennasmay be configured to accept RF power remotely and generate heat locally.

The therapy belt 3600 (FIG. 41) may also include a controller 3604 thatis placed on the outer portion of the therapy belt 3600. The controller3604 is configured for controlling each of the at least two therapyelectrodes 3602 to selectively apply a time-varying electrical signal tobody tissue. For example, the controller 3604 may control the PEMFradiating antennas to emit a radio frequency signal. According to afurther example disclosed herein, the radio frequency signal may bewithin the range of 27 MHz to 30 MHz. According to a still furtherexample, the radio frequency signal may be at 27.12 MHz. The controller3604 may be connected to the at least two therapy electrodes 3602 via awire connection or a wireless connection, or any of various combinationsthereof.

The controller 3604 may include a power button 3642. The power button3642 may be provided with a power indicator. In one example, when thepower button 3642 is depressed for a period of time that meets orexceeds a predetermined length of time, the power button 3642 is placedin an ON state wherein the controller 3604 turns ON and starts beingsupplied with power. When the power button 3642 is depressed again forthe period of time that meets or exceeds the predetermined length oftime, the power button 3642 is placed in an OFF state wherein thecontroller 3604 turns OFF and stops being supplied with power.Additionally, the power button 3642 may incorporate a power indicator,such as an LED light, incandescent light, neon bulb, flashing light,audible alarm, or any of various combinations thereof, which iselectrically coupled to a portable power supply 3606 and/or a powersupply (not illustrated) in the controller 3604, and/or a processor, toindicate whether or not the controller 3604 is being provided withpower. For example, when the power button 3642 is in the ON state, thepower indicator is illuminated, and when the power button 3642 is in theOFF state, the power indicator is not illuminated. Alternatively oradditionally, the power indicator may be configured to provide a firstvisual display or audible annunciation for the ON state of the powerbutton 3642, and a second visual display or audible annunciation for theOFF state of the power button 3642, where the first visual display oraudible annunciation is different from the second visual display oraudible annunciation.

The controller 3604 may include a PEMF control button 3644. The PEMFcontrol button may include a PEMF indicator integrated therein. In oneexample, when the PEMF control button 3644 is first depressed for ashort period of time less than the predetermined length of time, theelectrical stimulation apparatus turns ON and begins generatingtherapeutic electrical or RF signals. When the PEMF control button 3644is depressed again for the short period of time, the electricalstimulation apparatus turns OFF and stops generating the therapeuticelectrical or RF signals. Additionally, the PEMF control button 3644 mayincorporate the PEMF indicator, such as an LED light, incandescentlight, neon bulb, flashing light, audible alarm, or any of variouscombinations thereof, that are electrically coupled to a portable powersupply 3606, and/or a power supply (not illustrated) in the controller3604, and/or a processor, to indicate whether or not the electricalstimulation apparatus is working.

The controller 3604 may include a heating control button 3646 and aheating indicator (not illustrated). In one example, when the heatingcontrol button 3646 is first depressed for the short amount of time lessthan the predetermined length of time, the heating apparatus turns ONand begins heating. When the heating control button 3646 is depressedagain for the short amount of time, the heating apparatus turns OFF andstops heating. The heating apparatus may be included in one or both ofthe at least two therapy electrodes 3602. The heating apparatus may alsobe placed separately from the therapy electrodes 3602, on or within thetherapy belt 3600. Additionally, the heating control button 3646 mayincorporate the heating indicator, such as an LED light, incandescentlight, neon bulb, flashing light, audible alarm, or any of variouscombinations thereof, that are electrically coupled to a portable powersupply 3606 and/or a power supply (not illustrated) in the controller3604, and/or a processor, to indicate whether or not the heatingapparatus is working.

The controller 3604 may further include a connector 3648 through whichpower is provided for the controller 3604. The connector 3648 may be aUSB connector. The therapy belt 3600 may include a portable power source3606 that is placed in a pocket 3608. The pocket 3608 may be attachedto, formed within, sewed on, and/or affixed to the outer portion of thetherapy belt 3600. A USB cable 3605 may connect the portable powersource 3606 and the connector 3648, to provide power for the controller3604, and/or the heating device, and/or the electrical stimulationdevice, from the portable power source 3606.

FIG. 42 is a view of the inner portion of the therapy belt 3600 of FIG.41 according to one example of the present disclosure. The inner portionof the therapy belt 3400 (FIG. 42) illustrates the therapy belt 3400along an inner circumference. The therapy belt 3600 may include aheating device that is placed in the interlayer of the therapy belt3600. The heating apparatus may include at least two heaters 3601. Thetherapy electrodes 3602 may be insulated from the heaters 3601. Theheaters 3601 may comprise resistance wires, graphene sheets, heatingfilms, or any of various combinations thereof. In one example, theposition of each respective heater of the heaters 3601 along the innercircumference of the therapy belt 3600 (FIG. 42) is arranged to at leastpartially overlap a corresponding therapy electrode of the at least twotherapy electrodes 3602 along the outer circumference of the therapybelt 3600 (FIG. 41). The portable power source 3606 may provide power tothe heaters 3601 (FIG. 42) by connecting the portable power source 3606to the connector 3648 (FIG. 41). In some implementations, the heaters3601 may be located in locations on the therapy belt 3600 that do notoverlap any of the therapy electrodes 3602. In some examples, theheaters 3601 may be replaced with only one heater. In otherimplementations, the heaters 3601 may be powered with power received viaone or more antennas or inductive loops. The antennas or inductive loopsmay be included in one or more of the therapy electrodes 3602.Alternatively or additionally, the one or more antennas may be locatedseparately from the therapy electrodes 3602. When the heater or theheaters 3601 is heated via the power from the one or more antennas, theheater and the antenna may be connected via one or more conductivewires.

FIG. 43 illustrates the layout of one example of insoles for a pair ofshoes. Foot shaped bases 3801, 3802 of insole material, such as plastic,rubber, polyurethane, foam, or the like, form the basis of the insoles.The bases 3801 and 3802 may alternatively be used in a pair of sandalsor integrated into a pair of sandals. Likewise, the bases 3801 and 3802may be used in any structure that is wearable on a foot of a human bodyas illustrated in FIG. 43, a first pair of stimulation electrodes E1 andE2 are placed on the base 3801. A second pair of stimulation electrodesE3 and E4 are placed on the base 3802. For purposes of illustration, thestimulation electrode E1 could be placed on an upper surface of the base3801, with the stimulation electrode E2 being placed on a lower surfaceof the base 3801. Alternatively, the stimulation electrode E1 could beplaced in a side-by-side arrangement with the stimulation electrode E2,where both of the stimulation electrodes E1 and E2 are placed on theupper surface of the base 3801. Regardless of the specific physicalplacement that is adopted for the stimulation electrodes E1 and E2, thefirst pair of stimulation electrodes E1 and E2 are insulated from eachother.

For purposes of illustration, the stimulation electrode E3 can be placedon an upper surface of the base 3802, and the stimulation electrode E4can be placed on a lower surface of the base 3802. Alternatively, thestimulation electrode E3 could be placed in a side-by-side arrangementwith the stimulation electrode E4, where both of the stimulationelectrodes E3 and E4 are placed on the upper surface of the base 3802.Regardless of the specific physical placement that is adopted for thestimulation electrodes, the second pair of stimulation electrodes E3 andE4 are insulated from each other.

In general, the first pair of stimulation electrodes E1 and E2 can beplaced on any portion or surface of the base 3801, as long as thestimulation electrode E1 is insulated from the stimulation electrode E2.Likewise, the second pair of stimulation electrodes E3 and E4 can alsobe placed on any portion or surface of the base 3802, as long as thestimulation electrode E3 is insulated from the stimulation electrode E4.For example, the stimulation electrode E1 may be placed on the uppersurface of the base 3801 and proximate to the left edge of the base3801, while the simulation electrode E2 may be placed on the uppersurface of the base 3801 and proximate to the right edge of the base3801. Similarly, the stimulation electrode E3 may be placed on the uppersurface of the base 3802 and proximate to the left edge of the base3802, while the simulation electrode E4 may be placed on the uppersurface of the base 3802 and proximate to the right edge of the base3802. These examples are provided solely for purposes of illustration,as other placements are possible for the first pair of stimulationelectrodes E1 and E2, as well as the second pair of stimulationelectrodes E3 and E4.

At least one of the stimulation electrodes E1 or E2 is configured to beapplied externally to the foot, underneath the foot, and in contact withthe foot. In operation, the first pair of stimulation electrodes E1 andE2 are electromagnetically coupled to a set of muscle groups or nerveareas within a left foot that has been inserted above the base 3801.Likewise, at least one of the stimulation electrodes E3 or E4 isconfigured to be applied externally to the foot, underneath the foot,and in contact with the foot. In operation, the second pair ofstimulation electrodes E3 and E4 are electromagnetically coupled to aset of muscle groups or nerve areas within a right foot that has beeninserted above the base 3802.

FIG. 44 shows an electrical stimulation system according to one exampleof the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the base 3801may have a pair of male metal snaps 3816. With reference to FIG. 44, thepair of male metal snaps 3816 is configured for attachment to a pair offemale metal snaps 3817. The pair of male metal snaps 3816 arepositioned on the upper surface of the base 3801, such that the pair ofmale metal snaps 3816 is in direct contact with, or proximate to, thefoot. The pair of male metal snaps 3816 are configured for connectingwith at least one electrical stimulation unit 3808 by attaching to thepair of female metal snaps 3817.

As shown in FIG. 44, the base 3802 may have a pair of male metal snaps3814 configured for attachment to a pair of female metal snaps 3815. Thepair of male metal snaps 3814 are on the upper surface of the base 3802,such that the pair of male metal snaps 3814 are placed is in directcontact with, or proximate to, the foot. The pair of male metal snaps3814 are configured for connecting with at least one electricalstimulation unit 3804 by attaching to the pair of female metal snaps3815.

The pairs of male metal snaps 3814 and 3816, as well as the pairs offemale metal snaps 3815 and 3817, can alternatively be some other typeor design of fastener for releasably engaging and electricallyconnecting the stimulation electrodes E1, E2, E3, and E4 to theelectrical stimulation unit. The fastener is configured for removablyattaching and electrically connecting with the electrical stimulationunit 3804, 3808, respectively, thereby forming an electronic circuit toapply an electrical stimulation pulse to tissue that is in electricalcontact with the stimulation electrodes.

In some examples, the pairs of male metal snaps 3814 and 3816, and thepairs of female metal snaps 3815 and 3817, may not be necessary. Whileelectrodes E1 and E2 are insulated from each other, electrodes E1 and E2may separately conductively connect to the electrical stimulation unit3808. Electrodes E3 and E4 on the base 3802 may connect to theelectrical stimulation unit 3804. Electrodes E1, E2, E3 and E4 may eachbe made of conductive gels or conductive rubbers.

The electrical stimulation unit 3808 may control electrodes E1 and E2 togenerate various electric signals to stimulate the muscles within thefoot. Electrodes E3 and E4 may have a similar configuration aselectrodes E1 and E2, respectively. Pursuant to such a configuration,the electric signals that stimulate the muscles within the foot may flowbetween electrodes E1 and E2, and similarly between electrodes E3 andE4. The electrical signals may be AC signals, radio frequency signals,DC signals, or the like. In operation, the first pair of stimulationelectrodes E1 and E2 are electromagnetically coupled to a set of musclegroups or nerve areas within a left foot that has been inserted abovethe base 3801. Likewise, in operation, the second pair of stimulationelectrodes E3 and E4 are electromagnetically coupled to a set of musclegroups or nerve areas within a right foot that has been inserted abovethe base 3802. Thus, the electric signals can be controlled to stimulatethe muscles within the foot without flowing through other parts of thebody.

When comparing the configurations of FIGS. 43 and 44 with an alternativeconfiguration where a first electrode is placed on the base 3801 and asecond electrode is placed on the base 3802, wherein the electricsignals have to pass through the body to complete a circuit to stimulatethe muscles within the two feet, the configurations disclosed in FIGS.43 and 44 have clear advantages.

In implementation, the electrical stimulation unit 3808 may be placedproximate to the location of the first pair of electrodes E1 and E2.Likewise, the electrical stimulation unit 3804 may be placed i proximateto the location of the second pair of electrodes E3 and E4. For example,when the bases 3801 and 3802 are part of a pair of sandals, theelectrical stimulation unit 3804 may be placed above the base 3802, andin an upper portion of the sandals, such that the electrical stimulationunit 3804 is positioned on top or above the foot. Likewise, theelectrical stimulation unit 3808 may be placed above the base 3801, andin an upper portion of the sandals, such that the electrical stimulationunit 3808 is positioned on top or above the foot. Alternatively, theelectrical stimulation units 3804 and 3808 may be placed on any part ofthe sandals that are insulated from the pairs of electrodes E3 and E4,and E1 and E2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 44, the electricalstimulation units 3808 and 3804 may each include a power indicator 3832to indicate whether the respective electrical stimulation unit 3808 or3804 is powered on.

As shown in FIGS. 44-45, a transmitter 3806 is a touch-screen controllerthat may remotely, wirelessly control each of the electrical stimulationunits 3804, 3808 to deliver electrical pulses to foot tissue via thepairs of stimulation electrodes E1-E2 and E3-E4 that are connected tothe electrical stimulation units 3808 and 3804, respectively. Althoughthe transmitter 3806 is shown as a touch-screen controller, this is forpurposes of illustration, as the transmitter 3806 could be implementedusing momentary-contact buttons or switches. The number of electricalstimulation units 3804 and 3808 that the transmitter 3806 can controlsimultaneously may be limited. However, the transmitter 3806 may controlany electrical stimulation unit 3804, 3808 after the transmitter 3806and the electrical stimulation unit 3804, 3808 are paired. Therefore,the transmitter 3806 may control many electrical stimulation units. Thetransmitter 3806 may be a touch screen controller as shown in FIGS.44-45. The transmitter 3806 may have different control buttons for auser to tap on to select an operating mode, an operating time period,one or more channels, an intensity level for the electrical stimulation,a massage strength for the electrical stimulation, a frequency for theelectrical stimulation, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 45, the transmitter 3806 may include a channel selector3810 for selecting one electrical stimulation unit 3804 or 3808 (FIG.44) to control with the transmitter 3806, via a respective channel thatis assigned to a corresponding electrical stimulation unit 3804, 3808.In one example, the channel selector 3810 (FIG. 45) is a control buttonon a touch screen that allows a user to select a channel to remotely,wirelessly transmit operating instructions to one of a plurality ofwireless electrical stimulation units 3804 or 3808 (FIG. 44). Theelectrical stimulation unit 3804 or 3808 may function as a receiver forthe transmitter 3806 to receive instructions from the transmitter 3806.However, the electrical stimulation unit 3804 or 3808 may mutuallycommunicate with the transmitter 3806 to receive instructions and sendfeedback to the transmitter 3806.

The channel selector 3810 (FIG. 45) may have a number indicating whichchannel is selected, and such number may represent the correspondingelectrical stimulation unit 3804 or 3808 that is selected. A user canselect different wireless electrical stimulation units by pressing thechannel selector 3810, which can cycle through all of the availablechannels. As indicated previously, each respective channel is associatedwith a corresponding electrical stimulation unit 3804 or 3808. Thechannel selector 3810 also can display a number indicating which of theelectrical stimulation units has been selected, and/or a number thatuniquely identifies the corresponding electrical stimulation unit. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 45, a number “1” displayed on the channelselector 3810 indicates a communication connection to a correspondingelectrical stimulation unit that is identified as electrical stimulationunit number 1. Pressing the channel selector 3810 again changes therespective channel on which the transmitter 3806 operates, and thuschanges the corresponding electrical stimulation unit that thetransmitter 3806 controls, and changes the number displayed on thechannel selector 3810.

At least one of the electrical stimulation units 3804, 3808 has at leasttwo operating modes, each of which applies a time varying electricalsignal or pulse to respective pairs of stimulation electrodes E3 and E4,or E1 and E2, in a different waveform or pattern. FIGS. 8-19 illustratesome exemplary waveforms for four exemplary operating modes.

The transmitter 3806 (FIG. 45) may include a mode selector 3812 forselecting an operating mode for each electrical stimulation unit 3804,3808 (FIG. 44). The mode selector 3812 (FIG. 45) may comprise aplurality of mode selecting buttons M1-M9. Each of buttons M1-M9 mayindicate one operating mode. In different operating modes, time-varyingelectrical signals or pulses of different waveforms may be applied tothe stimulation electrodes. Pressing one of the touch screen modeselecting buttons M1-M9 may switch the transmitter 3806 to the operatingmode corresponding to the selected button. The operating modes are notlimited to nine modes corresponding to the buttons M1-M9.

At least some of the electrical stimulation units are capable ofoperating with least two intensities or signal levels. As shown in FIGS.44-45, the transmitter 3806 includes an intensity selector 3820 forselecting different intensities. In the example shown in FIGS. 44-45,the intensity selector 3820 may include an increase button 3822 forincreasing the operating intensity (i.e., signal level) for theelectrical stimulation unit 3804 or 3808 to be controlled, and adecrease button 3824 for decreasing the operating intensity for theelectrical stimulation unit 3804 or 3808 to be controlled.

The increase button 3822 and the decrease button 3824 may be remotecontrol buttons on a touch screen that remotely, wirelessly transmitoperating instructions of a user-selected intensity or signal level to aselected one of the plurality of wireless electrical stimulation units3804 or 3808. The increase and decrease buttons 3822 and 3823 may have“+” and “−” signs respectively, to indicate their function to the user.A user can adjust the operating intensity by pressing the buttons 3822and 3824 to a level that the user desires. The intensity may be denotedusing an illustrative range 1 to 20 which represents a spectrum or rangeof different intensity levels.

As shown in FIGS. 44-45, the transmitter 3806 can further include adisplay 3826 for indicating the level of the operating intensity thathas been selected. When the user presses either the increase button 3822or the decrease button 3824, the display 3826 may show a numberindicating the level of the intensity.

As shown in FIGS. 44-45, the transmitter 3806 may include a timeselector 3828 for selecting an operating time period for at least someof the electrical stimulation units 3804 or 3808. The time selector 3828may be a single remote control button on the touch screen that remotely,wirelessly transmits operating instructions of a user selected operatingtime period/duration to a selected electrical stimulation unit 3804 or3808.

The time selector 3828 may include a display indicating the time orlength of time that has been selected. The user can select differentoperating time periods by continuing to press the time selector 3828.When the user presses the time selector 3828, the number on the displaychanges and indicates the operating time (may be in minutes) beingselected for a selected electrical stimulation unit 3804, 3808 to beactivated for applying electrical stimulation to the user. In oneexample, when the user presses the time selector 3828 once, the numberon the display changes in a 10-minute interval and the number of thetime displayed may be in a range of 10 to 60 minutes.

Additionally, the transmitter 3806 and each electrical stimulation unit3804, 3808 may include its own internal power supply (not shown). Theinternal power supply may be a rechargeable battery, or other suitableenergy storage device. Each electrical stimulation unit 3804, 3808 mayinclude a charging indicator 132 as shown in FIG. 21. The chargingindicator 132 is on when the electrical stimulation units 3804, 3808 arecharging, and turns off when the electrical stimulation units 3804, 3808are either disconnected form the charging source, or are fully charged.As shown in FIG. 21, each electrical stimulation unit can be chargedusing a USB connector 134 connecting to an AC adapter 136. The USBconnector 134 and the AC adapter 136 can also be used to charge arechargeable battery in the transmitter 3806. The transmitter 3806 caninclude a battery display 138 that indicates the state of charge and/orcharging status. In some implementations, the transmitter 3806 and theelectrical stimulation units 3804 and 3808 may be charged remotely viaone or more antennas or inductive loops. For example, an antenna may beplaced inside the transmitter 3806 or the electrical stimulation unit3804 or 3808, and the antenna may accepte power remotely and provide thepower supply to the transmitter 3806 and the electrical stimulationunits 3804 and 3808.

The transmitter 3806 may wirelessly communicate with the electricalstimulation units 3804 and 3808 via an RF protocol, and for purposes ofillustration, may be operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. Forexample, Bluetooth or Wifi technologies may be used. The transmitter3806 may comprise antennas implementing a wireless communicationprotocol with the electrical stimulation units 3804 and 3808.

FIG. 46 is a view of a pair of gloves connecting with an electronic unitthat is wirelessly controlled by a transmitter according to one exampleof the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 46, a pair of glovesincludes a first glove 4101 for a left hand, and a second glove 4102 fora right hand. The first glove 4101 and the second glove 4102 havesimilar functional configurations. The following description will mainlydescribe the first glove 4101 as a representative example.

In one example shown in FIG. 49, the first glove 4101 may include atleast one layer. The layer may include at least a conductive portion4121, so that the layer of the first glove 4101 serves as one electrode.The conductive portion may be made of silver, copper, gold, aluminum, oranother conductive material. When silver is used for the conductiveportion, the conductivity for the glove is enhanced. In one example, thelayer of the first glove 4101 may include silver threads woven withnon-conductive threads, serving integratedly as one electrode.

As shown in FIG. 49, the first glove 4101 has a configuration in whichan insulating portion 4131 is woven with the conductive portion 4121 ofa predetermined thickness. The conductive portion 4121 is a memberconstituting the entire glove portion of the first glove 4101. Thesurface of the conductive portion 4121 enables contact with the surfaceof a person's hand. The conductive portion 4121 is connected to anelectrical stimulation unit 4108 as shown in FIG. 46 by attachingconductive snaps as described later, thereby applying electrical pulsesto hand tissue.

In one example, the first glove 4101 may further include a male metalsnap 4114 for attaching to a female metal snap 4115 on the electricalstimulation unit 4108, as shown in FIG. 46. The male and female metalsnaps 4114 and 4115 can alternatively be some other type or design offastener for releasably engaging and electrically connecting the layerof the first glove 4101 to the electrical stimulation unit 4108.

In one example, the electrical stimulation unit 4108 is remotely andwirelessly controlled by a transmitter 4106, as illustrated in FIG. 46,to deliver time-varying electrical pulses to hand tissue via the layerof the first glove 4101 connected to the electrical stimulation unit4108. The transmitter 4106 has the same function as the transmitter 3806as illustrated in FIG. 45.

In one example, the electrical stimulation unit 4108 preferably includesa connector 4110 which may connect to an electrode pad 4107 via anelectrode wire 4109. The electrode pad 4107 may have a male metal snap4116 configured for attachment to a female metal snap 4117 of theelectrode wire 4109. The metal snaps 4116, 4117 can alternatively besome other type or design of fastener for releasably engaging andelectrically connecting the electrode pad 4107 to the electricalstimulation unit 4108.

The electrode pad 4107 may include a flexible substrate so that it canbe easily applied on a surface of a human body, for example, arms,wrists, shoulders, neck, etc. Therefore, the fasteners, such as snaps,on the glove 4101 and the electrode pad 4107, with connection with theelectrical stimulation unit 4108, form an electronic circuit to apply anelectrical stimulation pulse to tissue in electrical contact with theelectrodes. The electrode pad 4107 may be included in the glove 4101, ormay be used separately.

In some implementations, a number of sensing points may be set on theelectrode pad 4107. When the electrode pad 4107 is placed on a bodysurface, the electrical resistance between any two of the sensing pointson the electrode pad 4107 may be measured by using the electricalstimulation unit 4108 when the electrical stimulation unit 4108 iselectrically connected to the electrode pad 4107. The electricalresistance measured may be sent back to the transmitter 4106 via theelectrical stimulation unit 4108 when the electrical stimulation unit4108 is connected to the transmitter 4106. The measured electricalresistance between the number of sensing points may be used todetermined that a spot of the body skin has an electrical resistancethat is higher or lower than other spots on the body skin covered by theelectrode pad 4107. The electric signals may be generated and may bedirected for the spot that has the electrical resistance that is higheror lower than other spots on the covered body skin. Because twoelectrode pads may serve as two electrodes to form an electrical circuitto stimulate muscles covered the two electrode pads, the measurement ofthe electrical resistance may be conducted for two electrode padstogether by measuring the electrical resistance between two of a numberof sensing points on the body skin covered by the two electrode pads.The two electrode pads may be connected to one electrical stimulationunit 4108 that may be connected with the transmitter 4106. A sensor orthe like may be placed on the electrode pad 4107 for each of the numberof sensing points.

In some examples, the glove 4101 may include two electrodes. The twoelectrodes on the glove 4101 may be insulated from each other. Thus, theconductive portion 4121 for the glove 4101 may be divided into twoportions that are insulated from each other. Alternatively, twoelectrode pads 4107 may be attached to the glove 4101. Each of the twoportions may be electrically connected to the electrical stimulationunit 4108 or a controller which is remotely and wirelessly controlled bythe transmitter 4106. The electrical stimulation unit 4108 (or acontroller) may communicate with the transmitter 4106 and receiveinstructions and drive the two electrodes to create electric signals tostimulate muscles on a hand within the glove 4101. The electricalstimulation unit 4108 (or a controller) may also send information backto the transmitter 4106. When the glove 4101 comprises two portions thatare insulated from each other, the electrically connected electricalstimulation unit 4108 (or the controller) may be placed on the glove4101. The electrical stimulation unit 4108 (or the controller) may beplaced anywhere on the glove 4101. The placement of the electricalstimulation unit 4108 or the controller may not change the fact that afirst portion and a second portion of the glove 4101 are insulated fromeach other, even though any one of the first or second portions mayinclude conductive materials.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 46 and 49, the second glove 4102 mayinclude at least one layer. The layer may include at least a conductiveportion 4121, so that the layer of the second glove 4102 serves as oneelectrode. The conductive portion may be made of silver, gold, copper,aluminum, or another conductive material. When silver is used for theconductive portion, the conductivity of the glove is enhanced. In oneexample, the layer of the second glove 4102 may include silver threadswoven with non-conductive threads, and the resulting weave serving asone electrode. When the first glove 4101 is to serve as a firstelectrode, and the second glove 4102 is to serve as a second electrode,both the first glove 4101 and the second glove 4102 may connect to asingle electrical stimulation unit 4108 (or to a controller). Theelectrical stimulation unit 4108 may receive instructions from thetransmitter 4106 for driving the first and second electrodes to createelectric signals to stimulate muscles on both hands. However, in thisimplementation, the electric signals that stimulate muscles on bothhands may also pass through other part of the body, including the heart.However, pursuant to a further example, the first glove 4101 may beconfigured to provide two conductive portions that are insulated fromeach other. Likewise, the second glove 4102 may be configured to providetwo conductive portions that are insulated from each other. Using twoconductive portions is advantageous because the electric signalsgenerated to stimulate muscles on one hand will not pass through anyother part of the body such as the heart.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 49, the second glove 4102 may have aconfiguration in which an insulating portion 4131 may be woven with theconductive portion 4121, such that the resulting weave or layer has apredetermined thickness. The conductive portion 4121 may be a memberconstituting the entire glove portion of the second glove 4102 and isconnected to an electrical stimulation unit 4128 by attaching snaps,thereby applying electrical stimulation pulses to hand tissue. Thesurface of the conductive portion 4121 enables contact with the surfaceof a person's hand.

In one example, the second glove 4102 may further include a male metalsnap 4118 configured for attachment to a female metal snap 4119 on theelectrical stimulation unit 4128, as shown in FIG. 46. The metal snaps4118, 4119 can alternatively be some other type or design of fastenerfor releasably engaging and electrically connecting the layer of thesecond glove 4102 to the electrical stimulation unit 4128.

In one example, the electrical stimulation unit 4128 is remotely andwirelessly controlled by the transmitter 4106, as illustrated in FIG.46, to deliver time-vary electrical waveforms or pulses to hand tissuevia the layer of the second glove 4102 connected to the electricalstimulation unit 4128.

In one example, the electrical stimulation unit 4128 may include aconnector 4130 which may connect to an electrode pad 4137 via anelectrode wire 4129. With reference to FIGS. 46 and 48, the electrodepad 4137 may have a male metal snap 4126 configured for attachment to afemale metal snap 4127 of the electrode wire 4129. The metal snaps 4126,4127 can alternatively be some other type or design of fastener forreleasably engaging and electrically connecting the electrode pad 4137to the electrical stimulation unit 4128.

The electrode pad 4137 may include a flexible substrate so that it canbe easily applied on a body surface, for example, arms, wrists,shoulders, neck, etc. Therefore, the fasteners, such as snaps, on theglove second 4102 and the electrode pad 4137, with connection to theelectrical stimulation unit 4128, form an electronic circuit to apply anelectrical stimulation pulse to tissue in electrical contact or inelectromagnetic coupling with the electrodes.

As shown in FIG. 46, the transmitter 4106 may remotely, wirelesslycontrol each of the electrical stimulation units 4108, 4128 to delivertime-vary electrical pulses to tissue via the stimulation electrodesconnected with the electrical stimulation units 4108, 4128. Thetransmitter 4106 can be a remote controller as shown in FIG. 45.Illustratively, the transmitter 4106 can be implemented using atouch-screen controller, or a controller that uses momentary-contactswitches or buttons. The transmitter 4106 can have different controlbuttons for a user to tap on to select an operating mode, an operatingtime period, a channel, an intensity or signal level, massage strengthfor the electrical stimulation, and frequency of the electricalstimulation.

Additionally, the transmitter 4106 and each electrical stimulation unit4108, 4128 may include its own internal power supply (not shown). Theinternal power supply may be a rechargeable battery, or other suitableenergy storage device. The transmitter 4106 and each electricalstimulation unit 4108, 4128 may also be charged wirelessly via abuilt-in antenna or inductive loop to accept power wirelessly. Eachelectrical stimulation unit may include a charging indicator 132 asshown in FIG. 46. The charging indicator 132 is on when the respectiveelectrical stimulation unit 4108 or 4128 is charging. The chargingindicator 132 turns off when the respective electrical stimulation unit4108 or 4128 is either disconnected form the charging source or is fullycharged. Each electrical stimulation unit 4108 or 4128 may be chargedusing a USB connector connecting to an AC adapter. The USB connector andthe AC adapter can also be used to charge a rechargeable battery in thetransmitter 4106. The transmitter 4106 may include a battery displayindicating the state of charge and/or charging status.

The transmitter 4106 wirelessly communicates with the electricalstimulation units 4108 and 4128 via RF protocol which, for illustrativepurposes, may be operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. For example,Bluetooth or WIFI technologies may be used. The transmitter 4106 maycomprise antennas implementing a wireless communication protocol withthe electrical stimulation units.

FIG. 50 is a top view of a sandal according one example of the presentdisclosure. The sandal, as illustrated in FIG. 50, comprises an insolebeing integrated in the sandal and in direct contact of foot. The insolecomprises a foot shaped base 3802 a. A pair of stimulation electrodes E3a and E4 a are placed on the base 3802 a. E3 a and E4 a are made ofconductive materials and E3 a and E4 a are insulated from each other. Aninsulation area INa, as illustrated in FIG. 50, divides the base 3802 ainto two parts—the upper part and the lower part. The upper part maycorrespond to E3 a and the lower part may correspond to E4 a. Theinsulation area INa insulates E3 a from E4 a.

As shown in FIG. 50, the base 3802 a may have a pair of male metal snaps3814 a that may be configured for attachment to a pair of female metalsnaps 3815 (as shown in FIG. 44). The pair of male metal snaps 3814 aare on the upper surface of the base 3802 a, such that the pair of malemetal snaps 3814 a are placed is in direct contact with, or proximateto, the foot. One male metal snap 3814 a may be placed on thestimulation electrode E3 a while the other male metal snap 3814 a may beplaced on the stimulation electrode E4 a. The pair of male metal snaps3814 a are configured for connecting with at least one electricalstimulation unit 3804 (as shown in FIG. 44) by attaching to the pair offemale metal snaps 3815 (as shown in FIG. 44).

As shown in FIG. 50, a plurality of electrode protuberances 3800 may beintegrally formed with the base 3802 a. The electrode protuberances 3800may be distributed over the upper surface of the base 3802 a in a waythat corresponds to the way in which acupoints are distributed in ahuman sole. As most people's soles are not entirely flat but areconcavely curved on the inner side (where the arch is), the electrodeprotuberances 3800 may vary in height so that when a user's sole stampson the surface of the base 3802 a, the tips of the electrodeprotuberances 3800 are pressed against the corresponding acupoints inthe user's sole. The pair of male metal snaps 3814 a may be placed onthe upper surface of the base 3802 a corresponding in position to thearch.

FIG. 51 is a top view of a sandal according one example of the presentdisclosure. The sandal, as illustrated in FIG. 51, comprises an insolebeing integrated in the sandal and in direct contact of foot. The insolecomprises a foot shaped base 3802 b. A plurality of electrodeprotuberances may be integrally formed with the base 3802 b. A pair ofstimulation electrodes E3 b and E4 b are placed on the base 3802 b. E3 band E4 b are made of conductive materials and E3 b and E4 b areinsulated from each other. An insulation area INb, as illustrated inFIG. 51, divides the base 3802 b into two parts—the left part and theright part. The left part may correspond to E3 b and the second part maycorrespond to E4 b. The insulation area INb insulates E3 b from E4 b.

As shown in FIG. 51, the base 3802 b may have a pair of male metal snaps3814 b that may be configured for attachment to a pair of female metalsnaps 3815 (as shown in FIG. 44). One male metal snap 3814 b may beplaced on the stimulation electrode E3 b while the other male metal snap3814 b may be placed on the stimulation electrode E4 b. Each of the pairof male metal snaps 3814 b may be placed in a groove 3807. The twogrooves 3807 are concaved at the heel portion of the base 3802 b. Thegrooves 3807 may be of the shape of the male metal snaps 3814 b so as toaccommodate the pair of male metal snaps 3814 b. Additionally, thegrooves 3807 may extend until the heel edge so as to accommodate thecables that connect the pair of male metal snaps 3814 b with theelectrical stimulation unit 3804 (as shown in FIG. 44) by attaching thepair of male metal snaps 3814 b with the pair of female metal snaps 3815(as shown in FIG. 44).

FIG. 52 is a top view of a sandal according to one example of thepresent disclosure. The sandal, as illustrated in FIG. 52, comprises aninsole being integrated in the sandal and in direct contact of foot. Theinsole comprises a foot shaped base 3802 c. A plurality of electrodeprotuberances may be integrally formed with the base 3802 c. Aninsulation area INc, as illustrated in FIG. 52, divides the base 3802 cinto two parts—the upper part and the lower part. The two parts mayseparately correspond to stimulation electrodes E3 c and E4 c. The pairof stimulation electrodes E3 c and E4 c are placed on the base 3802 c.E3 b and E4 b are made of conductive materials and E3 a and E4 a areinsulated from each other. As shown in FIG. 52, the stimulationelectrode E3 c comprises an extension portion E3 cl extending along anupper strap of the sandal. And the stimulation electrode E4 c comprisesan extension portion E4 cl extending along the upper strap of thesandal.

As shown in FIG. 52, the base 3802 c may have a pair of male metal snaps3814 c that may be configured for attachment to a pair of female metalsnaps 3815 c (as shown in FIG. 54). The pair of male metal snaps 3814 cmay be placed on the upper strap of the sandal. And the pair of malemetal snaps 3814 c may face outside that is away from the foot. One ofthe pair of male metal snaps 3814 c is placed on the extension portionE3 cl while the other metal snap 3814 c is placed on the extensionportion E4 cl.

As shown in FIG. 53, the pair of male metal snaps 3814 c are connectedwith an electrical stimulation unit 3804 c by attaching to the pair offemale metal snaps 3815 c (as shown in FIG. 54), thereby forming anelectronic circuit to apply an electrical stimulation pulse to tissuethat is in electrical contact with the stimulation electrodes E3 c andE4 c. The electrical stimulation unit 3804 c may communicate with atransmitter, for example, the transmitter 3806 as shown in FIG. 44,wirelessly or with cable.

FIG. 55 is a top view of a sandal according to one example of thepresent disclosure. The sandal, as illustrated in FIG. 55, comprises aninsole being integrated in the sandal and in direct contact of foot. Theinsole comprises a foot shaped base 3802 d. A plurality of electrodeprotuberances may be integrally formed with the base 3802 d. Aninsulation area INd, as illustrated in FIG. 55, divides the base 3802 dinto two parts—the left part and the right part. The left part maycorrespond to the stimulation electrode E3 d, and the right part maycorrespond to the stimulation electrode E4 d. The pair of stimulationelectrodes E3 d and E4 d are placed on the base 3802 d. E3 d and E4 dare made of conductive materials and E3 d and E4 d are insulated fromeach other. As shown in FIG. 55, the stimulation electrode E3 dcomprises an extension portion E3 dl extending along an upper strap ofthe sandal. And the stimulation electrode E4 d comprises an extensionportion E4 dl extending along the upper strap of the sandal.

As shown in FIG. 55, the base 3802 d may have a pair of male metal snaps3814 d that may be configured for attachment to a pair of female metalsnaps 3815 d (as shown in FIG. 57). The pair of male metal snaps 3814 dmay be placed on the upper strap of the sandal. And the pair of malemetal snaps 3814 d may face outside that is away from the foot. One ofthe pair of male metal snaps 3814 d is placed on the extension portionE3 dl while the other metal snap 3814 d is placed on the extensionportion E4 dl.

As shown in FIG. 56, the pair of male metal snaps 3814 d are connectedwith an electrical stimulation unit 3804 d by attaching to the pair offemale metal snaps 3815 d (as shown in FIG. 57), thereby forming anelectronic circuit to apply an electrical stimulation pulse to tissuethat is in electrical contact with the stimulation electrodes E3 d andE4 d. The electrical stimulation unit 3804 d may communicate with atransmitter, for example, the transmitter 3806 as shown in FIG. 44,wirelessly or with cable.

FIG. 58 is a top view of a sandal according to one example of thepresent disclosure. The sandal, as illustrated in FIG. 58, comprises aninsole being integrated in the sandal and in direct contact of foot. Theinsole comprises a foot shaped base 3802 e. A plurality of electrodeprotuberances may be integrally formed with the base 3802 e. The base3802 e comprises a stimulation electrode E3 e that is made of conductivematerial. The sandal may also comprise an ankle strap 3811 e. The innerportion of the ankle strap 3811 e comprises a stimulation electrode E4 ethat is of a strap shape and in contact of a user's skin around ankle.

As shown in FIG. 58, a male metal snap 3814 e 1 is placed on thestimulation electrode E3 e and may be configured for attachment to afemale metal snaps 3815 (as shown in FIG. 44). And another male metalsnap 3814 e 2 is placed on the stimulation electrode E4 e, and the malemetal snap 3814 e 2 faces outside that is away from the user's ankle.The male metal snaps 3814 e 1 and 3814 e 2 are configured for connectingwith at least one electrical stimulation unit 3804 (as shown in FIG. 44)by attaching to the pair of female metal snaps 3815 (as shown in FIG.44).

The present disclosure provides an electrical stimulation system forproviding electrical stimulation to a subject's body. The system includea wireless controller; an electrical stimulation unit generatingelectrical stimulation signals, responsive to the wireless controller;at least two electrodes adapted to be disposed in electrical contactwith the subject's body spaced apart from the electrical stimulationunit and from each other; and a cable electrically connecting theelectrical stimulation unit to the at least two electrodes to applyelectrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation unit tothe electrodes positioned remotely from the electrical stimulation unit.

The system may also include a substrate adapted to be applied to a bodysurface, where the at least two electrodes may be carried on thesubstrate.

According to the system disclosed above, the substrate may be an articleof clothing to be worn by the subject, and the article of clothing maybe a sock.

According to the system, the cable may be a Y-cable that includes a stemand two branches, with a plug disposed on the end of the stem, and aconnector disposed on each of the branches, the plug being configured tocouple with a socket on the electrical stimulation unit and each of theconnectors being configured for attaching to, and electricallyconnecting to an electrode.

According to the system, the connectors may be configured forpermanently attaching to the electrodes.

According to the system, each of the connectors may include a metalfastener configured for removably attaching with correspondingstructures configured on the at least two electrodes.

According to the system, the cable may be an X-cable that include firstand second input branches, and first and second output branches,connectors on each of the input branches adapted to be connected to theelectrical stimulation unit, and connectors on each of the outputbranches adapted to connected to an electrode.

According to the system, the connectors on the input branches of theX-cable may be configured for permanently attaching with the electricalstimulation unit.

According to the system the connectors on the input branches of theX-cable may include metal fasteners configured for removably couplingwith corresponding structures of the electrical stimulation unit.

According to the system, the connectors on the output branches of theX-cable may be configured for permanently attaching with an electrode.

According to the system, the connectors on the output branches of theX-cable may include metal fasteners configured for removably couplingwith corresponding structures on the electrodes.

The present disclosure may also provide a method for controlling aplurality of electrodes disposed in electrical contact with a subject'sbody. The method may include remotely, wirelessly transmitting operationinstructions to an electrical stimulation unit from a remote controller;providing electrical stimulation signals via the electrical stimulationunit in response to the operating instructions; transmitting theelectrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation unit tothe plurality of electrodes positioned remotely from the electricalstimulation unit that is electrically connected with the electrodesusing a cable; and applying the electrical stimulation signals on thesubject's body in electrical contact with the plurality of electrodes.

According to the method, the electrical stimulation unit may beelectrically connected to the plurality of electrodes using a Y-cable oran X-cable.

According to the method, the electrical stimulation unit may beelectrically connected to the plurality of electrodes using an X-cable.

According to the method, the operation instructions may be wirelesslytransmitted to at least two electrical stimulation units from the remotecontroller on separate channels at different frequencies.

The present disclosure also provides a wireless electrical stimulationsystem. The system may include: at least two electrical stimulationunits, each electrical stimulation unit having electrodes connected tothe electrical stimulation unit; and a wireless controller for remotely,wirelessly controlling each of the electrical stimulation units bytransmitting operating instructions to each of the electricalstimulation units on separate channels at different frequencies using asingle remote control before sending instructions to selectively apply atime-varying electric potential to the electrodes to provide anelectrical stimulation to tissue in electrical contact with theelectrodes.

The system may further include a cable electrically connecting theelectrical stimulation unit to the electrodes to apply electricalstimulation signals from the electrical stimulation unit to theelectrodes positioned remotely from the electrical stimulation unit.

According to the system, the cable may be a Y-cable comprising a stemand two branches, with a plug disposed on the end of the stem, and aconnector disposed on each of the branches, the plug being configured tocouple with a socket on the electrical stimulation unit and each of theconnectors being configured for attaching to, and electricallyconnecting to an electrode.

According to the system, the cable may be an X-cable that include firstand second input branches, and first and second output branches,connectors on each of the input branches adapted to be connected to theelectrical stimulation unit, and connectors on each of the outputbranches adapted to connected to an electrode.

In an example, the present disclosure provides a wireless controller forcontrolling an electrical stimulation device that is attachable on asurface of a body to provide electrical stimulation to the body.

Additionally, a wireless controller may be provided for controlling anelectrical stimulation device that is attachable on a surface of a bodyto provide electrical stimulation to the body. The wireless controllermay include a control circuit, a display circuit and a communicationcircuit.

The control circuit may select, via a user interface, one of a pluralityof modes, one of a plurality of intensities and one of a plurality ofchannels; the display circuit may display, via the user interface, theselected mode, the selected intensity and the selected channel.

The communication circuit may send the selected mode, the selectedintensity on the selected channel to the electrical stimulation devicewhere the electrical stimulation device may include at least twoelectrodes insulated from each other that are adapted to be disposed onthe body's surface and are in electrical contact with the body'ssurface, and electrical stimulation device may generate electricalstimulation signals to be output by the at least two electrodes in theselected mode with the selected intensity to provide the electricalstimulation to the body.

According to other examples, an electrical stimulation apparatus isprovided. The electrical stimulation apparatus comprises an electricalstimulation unit configured to generate at least one electricalwaveform. Two electrodes, operatively coupled to the electricalstimulation unit, are configured to receive the at least one electricalwaveform from the electrical stimulation unit. The two electrodes areinsulated from each other. The two electrodes are provided in astructure that is wearable on a foot of a human body. The structure isconfigured for providing electrical stimulation to the foot. A remotecontroller is configured for controlling the electrical stimulation unitby generating and transmitting one or more control signals, wherein theelectrical stimulation unit includes a receiver configured for receivingthe one or more control signals from the remote controller. In responseto receiving the one or more control signals from the remote controller,the electrical stimulation unit generates the at least one electricalwaveform and applies the at least one electrical waveform to the twoelectrodes. The two electrodes are configured to deliver the generatedat least one electrical waveform to a set of muscle groups or nerveareas within the foot that are electromagnetically coupled to the twoelectrodes. At least one of the two electrodes is configured to beapplied externally to the foot, underneath the foot, and in contact withthe foot. The one or more control signals cause the electricalstimulation unit to apply an electric potential to the two electrodes toprovide an electrical stimulation to the set of muscle groups or nerveareas within the foot that are electromagnetically coupled to the twoelectrodes.

According to the apparatus, the electrical pulses may be delivered tothe muscle groups or nerve areas within the foot without going throughany part of the human body other than the foot. The electrical pulsesmay be delivered to sets of muscle groups or nerve areas within the footwithout going through a heart of the human body. This may be helpfulbecause, if only one electrode is applied to each sandal of a pair ofsandals, electrical current will flow along a path from one sandal tothe other through the human body When two electrodes, one on eachsandal, work together to apply signals to simulate the muscles withinthe two feet, the electrical pulses may go through other parts of thebody, such as the heart, unnecessarily. Providing two electrodes on eachsandal as disclosed herein can avoid delivery of electrical waveforms toother sensitive parts of the body such as the heart.

According to the apparatus, the two electrodes may be integrated with aninsole of a sandal, such that the insole includes at least a firstconductive area, and a second conductive area that is insulated from thefirst conductive area. A first electrode is connected to the firstconductive area, and a second electrode is connected to the secondconductive area. The electrical stimulation unit may be placed on anupper strap of the scandal. The insole may be substantially made ofconductive rubber or conductive gel. The electrical stimulation unit maybe releasably connected to two connectors that are provided on the upperstrap of the sandal.

According to the apparatus, the structure that is wearable on the footof the human body may be one of a pair of sandals.

The present disclosure also provides a wireless electrical stimulationsystem for providing electrical stimulation to a foot of a human body.The system includes an electrical stimulation unit configured togenerate at least one electrical waveform. The system also includes twoelectrodes operatively coupled to the electrical stimulation unit andconfigured to receive the at least one electrical waveform from theelectrical stimulation unit. The two electrodes are insulated from eachother, and the two electrodes are provided in a structure that iswearable on the foot. The structure is configured for providingelectrical stimulation to the foot. The system further includes awireless remote controller configured for wirelessly controlling theelectrical stimulation unit by generating and transmitting one or morewireless control signals, wherein the electrical stimulation unitincludes a wireless receiver configured for wirelessly receiving the oneor more control signals from the remote controller. In response toreceiving the one or more wireless control signals from the remotecontroller, the electrical stimulation unit generates the at least oneelectrical waveform and applies the at least one electrical waveform tothe two electrodes. The two electrodes are configured to deliver thegenerated at least one electrical waveform to a set of muscle groups ornerve areas within the foot that are electromagnetically coupled to thetwo electrodes. At least one of the two electrodes is configured to beapplied externally to the foot, underneath the foot, and in contact withthe foot. The one or more control signals cause the electricalstimulation unit to apply an electric potential to the two electrodes toprovide an electrical stimulation to the set of muscle groups or nerveareas within the foot that are electromagnetically coupled to the twoelectrodes.

According to the system, the electrical stimulation unit may be capableof operating with at least two intensities or signal levels. The remotecontroller may have an intensity selector for selecting one of the atleast two intensities of operation for the electrical stimulation unit.The intensity selector may include an increase control and a decreasecontrol.

According to the system, a plurality of electrical stimulation units areprovided. The remote controller may include a display for indicatingwhich one of the plurality of electrical stimulation units has beenselected. The remote controller may be a smart phone running anapplication. The present disclosure provides a method of utilizing anelectrical stimulation device. The method includes providing anelectrical stimulation unit configured to generate at least oneelectrical waveform, and providing a structure that is wearable on afoot of a human body. The structure comprises a first electrode, asecond electrode, and an insulating material that insulates the firstelectrode from the second electrode. The structure is configured forproviding electrical stimulation to the foot. The method furtherincludes applying the structure to the foot, and applying the generatedat least one electrical waveform to the first and second electrodesusing a remote controller configured for controlling the electricalstimulation unit by generating and transmitting one or more controlsignals. The electrical stimulation unit includes a receiver configuredfor receiving the one or more control signals from the remotecontroller. The generated at least one electrical waveform is applied bydelivering the electrical waveform to a set of muscle groups or nerveareas within the foot that are electromagnetically coupled to the firstand second electrodes. At least one of the first and second electrodesis configured to be applied externally to the foot, underneath the foot,and in contact with the foot. The one or more control signals cause theelectrical stimulation unit to apply an electric potential across thefirst electrode and the second electrode to provide an electricalstimulation to the set of muscle groups or nerve areas within the foot.

According to the method, delivering electrical pulses may includedelivering electrical pulses to the set of muscle groups or nerve areaswithin the foot without traveling through any part of the human bodyother than the foot.

The method may also include integrating the electrical stimulation unitwith an insole of a sandal, wherein the electrical stimulation unit isplaced on an upper strap of the sandal.

The method may also include separating the insole into at least a firstconductive area that is insulated from a second conductive area,connecting the first electrode to the first conductive area, andconnecting the second electrode to the second conductive area. Themethod may also include providing a first connector and a secondconnector for the upper strap; connecting the first connector to thefirst conductive area, and connecting the second connector to the secondconductive area. The method may also include releasably connecting thetransmitter receiver to the first and second connectors of the upperstrap of the sandal.

The present disclosure provides an electrical stimulation device forproviding electrical stimulation that may include an electricalstimulation unit, a local controller and a heating apparatus.

The electrical simulation unit may have at least two electrodes that areinsulated from each other, where the at least two electrodes may beplaced on a body surface and may be configured to deliver electricalpulses to muscle groups or nerve areas within the body surface to whichthe electrodes are applied, where the electrodes may be configured to beapplied externally to the body surface.

The local controller of the electrical simulation device may becommunicated with a remote controller and may control the electricalstimulation unit by receiving operating instructions remotely andwirelessly from the remote controller, where the operating instructionsmay correspond to a selected one of a plurality of operating modes tothe electrical stimulation unit on a channel, and based on the selectedmode, the operating instructions may selectively apply an electricpotential to the electrodes to provide an electrical stimulation to themuscle groups or the nerve areas within the body surface that is inelectrical contact with the electrodes.

The heating apparatus of the electrical simulation device may becontrollable by the local controller and generates heat and may providethe generated heat to the body surface via one or more heating pads thatare applied on the proximity of the body surface where the electrodesare applied.

According to the device, the electrical stimulation device may have asubstantial belt shape and is capable of adjustably placing around awaist of a human body. The heating apparatus may include a rechargeablebattery that is electronically connected to the heating pads and therechargeable battery enables the heating apparatus to generate the heat.The device may also include a display that shows at least one of: a heatlevel of the heat generated or a power level of the rechargeablebattery.

According to the device, the heating apparatus may include an antennathat is configured to receive power wirelessly to generate the heat. Theantenna may receive the power wirelessly via a radio frequency (RF)protocol.

According to the device, the heating apparatus may include both anantenna and a rechargeable, and a heat control switch attached to theelectrical stimulation device may be configured to control the heat tobe generated by either using the antenna to receive power wirelessly orusing the rechargeable battery. The device may also include a functionalcontrol switch to control both the local controller and the heatingapparatus. The heating apparatus may be controlled to generate the heatat a same time when the local controller is controlled to provide theelectrical stimulation. The heating apparatus may be controlled togenerate the heat at a different time from when the local controller iscontrolled to provide the electrical stimulation.

The present disclosure provides a wireless electrical stimulation systemfor providing electrical stimulation. The system may include anelectrical stimulation unit, a local controller, a remote controller anda heating apparatus.

The electrical simulation unit may have at least two electrodes that areinsulated from each other, where the at least two electrodes may beplaced on a body surface and may be configured to deliver electricalpulses to muscle groups or nerve areas within the body surface to whichthe electrodes are applied, where the electrodes may be configured to beapplied externally with respect to the body surface.

The local controller of the electrical simulation device may becommunicated with the remote controller and may control the electricalstimulation unit by receiving operating instructions remotely andwirelessly from the remote controller, where the operating instructionsmay correspond to a selected one of a plurality of operating modes tothe electrical stimulation unit on a channel, and based on the selectedmode, the operating instructions may selectively apply an electricpotential to the electrodes to provide an electrical stimulation to themuscle groups or the nerve areas within the body surface that is inelectrical contact with the electrodes.

The heating apparatus of the electrical simulation device may becontrollable by the local controller and may generate heat and mayprovide the generated heat to the body surface via one or more heatingpads that are applied on the proximity of the body surface where theelectrodes are applied.

According to the system, each electrical stimulation unit may be capableof operating at at least two intensities, and where the remotecontroller may have an intensity selector for selecting one of the atleast two intensities of operation for each electrical stimulation unit.The intensity selector may include an increase control and a decreasecontrol.

According to the system, the remote controller may include a display forindicating which of the electrical stimulation units has been selected.The remote controller may be a smart phone running an application.

The present disclosure provides a method of utilizing an electricalstimulation device for providing electrical stimulation. The method mayinclude providing an electrical stimulation unit, a local controller anda heating apparatus; insulating at least two electrodes of theelectrical simulation unit from each other, and placing the at least twoelectrodes on a body surface; delivering electrical pulses to musclegroups or nerve areas within the body surface to which the electrodesare applied, where the electrodes may be configured to be appliedexternally with respect to the body surface.

The method may also include communicating, via the local controller ofthe electrical simulation device, with a remote controller and controlsthe electrical stimulation unit by receiving operating instructionsremotely and wirelessly from the remote controller, where the operatinginstructions may correspond to a selected one of a plurality ofoperating modes to the electrical stimulation unit on a channel, andbased on the selected mode, the operating instructions may selectivelyapply an electric potential to the electrodes to provide an electricalstimulation to the muscle groups or the nerve areas within the bodysurface that is in electrical contact with the electrodes.

The method may include controlling, via the local controller, theheating apparatus of the electrical simulation device to generate heatand provide the generated heat to the body surface via one or moreheating pads that are applied on the proximity of the body surface wherethe electrodes are applied.

The method may also include providing a rechargeable battery for theheating apparatus; electronically connecting the rechargeable battery tothe heating pads; and enabling the heating apparatus to generate theheat using the rechargeable battery. The method may include providing adisplay for the heating apparatus; and using the display to show atleast one of: a heat level of the heat generated or a power level of therechargeable battery.

The method may include providing an antenna for the heating apparatus;and receiving power wirelessly to generate the heat using the antenna.The method may also include providing an antenna and a rechargeablebattery for the heating apparatus; attaching a heat control switch tothe electrical stimulation device; and controlling, via the heat controlswitch to control the heat to be generated by either using the antennato receive power wirelessly or using the rechargeable battery.

The controller may include a control circuit, a display circuit and acommunication circuit. The control circuit may select, via a userinterface, one of a plurality of modes, one of a plurality ofintensities and one of a plurality of channels. The display circuit maydisplay, via the user interface, the selected mode, the selectedintensity and the selected channel. The communication circuit may sendthe selected mode, the selected intensity on the selected channel to theelectrical stimulation device where the electrical stimulation devicemay include at least two electrodes insulated from each other that areadapted to be disposed on the body's surface and are in electricalcontact with the body's surface, and electrical stimulation device maygenerate electrical stimulation signals to be output by the at least twoelectrodes in the selected mode with the selected intensity to providethe electrical stimulation to the body.

Examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and willfully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerousspecific details are set forth such as examples of specific components,devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of examples ofthe present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat specific details need not be employed, that examples may beembodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed tolimit the scope of the disclosure. In some examples, well-knownprocesses, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies arenot described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements thatmay be achieved with one or more examples of the present disclosure areprovided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope ofthe present disclosure, as examples disclosed herein may provide all ornone of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fallwithin the scope of the present disclosure.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapesdisclosed herein are examples in nature and do not limit the scope ofthe present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values andparticular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive ofother values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more ofthe examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any twoparticular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define theendpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the givenparameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value fora given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any valuebetween the first and second values could also be employed for the givenparameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to havevalue A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned thatparameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z.Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges ofvalues for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping ordistinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value thatmight be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example,if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may haveother ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3,3-10, and 3-9.

The present disclosure may include dedicated hardware implementationssuch as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logicarrays and other hardware devices. The hardware implementations can beconstructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein.Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of variousexamples can broadly include a variety of electronic and computingsystems. One or more examples described herein may implement functionsusing two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or deviceswith related control and data signals that can be communicated betweenand through the modules, or as portions of an application-specificintegrated circuit. Accordingly, the system disclosed may encompasssoftware, firmware, and hardware implementations. The terms “module,”“sub-module,” “circuit,” “sub-circuit,” “circuitry,” “sub-circuitry,”“unit,” or “sub-unit” may include memory (shared, dedicated, or group)that stores code or instructions that can be executed by one or moreprocessors. The module refers herein may include one or more circuitwith or without stored code or instructions. The module or circuit mayinclude one or more components that are connected.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexamples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include theplural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” areinclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculationor the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (withsome approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonablyclose to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecisionprovided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with thisordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at leastvariations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or usingsuch parameters. For example, the terms “generally,” “about,” and“substantially,” may be used herein to mean within manufacturingtolerances. Or for example, the term “about” as used herein whenmodifying a quantity of an ingredient or reactant of the invention oremployed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can happenthrough typical measuring and handling procedures used, for example,when making concentrates or solutions in the real world throughinadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in themanufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make thecompositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about”also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibriumconditions for a composition resulting from a particular initialmixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims includeequivalents to the quantities.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the examples.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the examples has been provided for purposesof illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particularexample are generally not limited to that particular example, but, whereapplicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected example,even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be variedin many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure fromthe disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical stimulation apparatus for providingelectrical stimulation to a surface of a human body, comprising: anelectrical stimulation unit configured to generate at least oneelectrical waveform, two electrodes operatively coupled to theelectrical stimulation unit and configured to receive the at least oneelectrical waveform from the electrical stimulation unit, wherein thetwo electrodes are insulated from each other, wherein the two electrodesare configured to be placed on or in proximity to the surface, whereinthe two electrodes are configured to deliver the at least one electricalwaveform to muscle groups or nerve areas within the surface to which theelectrodes are applied, and wherein the electrodes are configured to beapplied externally to the surface; a remote controller configured forcontrolling the electrical stimulation unit by generating andtransmitting a first set of one or more control signals, wherein theelectrical stimulation unit includes a receiver configured for receivingthe first set of one or more control signals from the remote controller;and wherein, in response to receiving the first set of one or morecontrol signals from the remote controller, the electrical stimulationunit generates the at least one electrical waveform and applies the atleast one electrical waveform to the two electrodes; a heating deviceoperatively coupled to the receiver of the electrical simulation unit,the heating device comprising one or more heating pads configured forgenerating heat in response to a second set of one or more controlsignals received from the remote controller, and further configured forproviding the generated heat to the surface proximate to where theelectrodes are applied; the remote controller further configured forcontrolling the heating device by generating and transmitting a secondset of one or more control signals, wherein the electrical stimulationunit includes a receiver configured for receiving the second set of oneor more control signals from the remote controller; and wherein, inresponse to receiving the second set of one or more control signals fromthe remote controller, the electrical stimulation unit activates theheating device to generate heat and to provide the generated heat to thesurface proximate to where the electrodes are applied.
 2. The electricalstimulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulationapparatus is substantially belt-shaped and is capable of beingadjustably placed around a waist of a human body.
 3. The electricalstimulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating device comprises arechargeable battery that is electronically connected to the one or moreheating pads, and the rechargeable battery enables the heating device togenerate heat.
 4. The electrical stimulation apparatus of claim 3,further comprising a display operatively coupled to the electricalstimulation unit that shows at least one of: a heat level of thegenerated heat or a power level of the rechargeable battery.
 5. Theelectrical stimulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating devicecomprises an antenna or an inductive loop that is configured to receivepower wirelessly to generate the heat.
 6. The electrical stimulationapparatus of claim 5, wherein the antenna or the inductive loop receivesthe power wirelessly via a radio frequency (RF) protocol.
 7. Theelectrical stimulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating devicecomprises an antenna, a rechargeable power source, and a heat controlswitch; wherein the heat control switch is configured to control thegenerated heat by using at least one of: the antenna to receive powerwirelessly, or the rechargeable power source.
 8. The electricalstimulation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a combinedfunctional control switch to control the electrical stimulation unit toproduce the first set of one or more control signals, and to provide amanual adjustment for the heating device.
 9. The electrical stimulationapparatus of claim 8, wherein the heating device is controlled by theelectrical stimulation unit to generate the heat simultaneously with theelectrical stimulation unit applying the at least one electricalwaveform to the two electrodes.
 10. The electrical stimulation apparatusof claim 8, wherein the heating device is controlled by the electricalstimulation unit to generate the heat at a different time from when theelectrical stimulation unit is applying the at least one electricalwaveform to the two electrodes.
 11. A wireless electrical stimulationsystem for providing electrical stimulation, the system comprising: anelectrical stimulation unit configured to generate at least oneelectrical waveform, two electrodes operatively coupled to theelectrical stimulation unit and configured to receive the at least oneelectrical waveform from the electrical stimulation unit, wherein thetwo electrodes are insulated from each other, wherein the two electrodesare configured to be placed on or in proximity to the surface, whereinthe two electrodes are configured to deliver the at least one electricalwaveform to muscle groups or nerve areas within the surface to which theelectrodes are applied, and wherein the electrodes are configured to beapplied externally to the surface; a wireless remote controllerconfigured for controlling the electrical stimulation unit by generatingand wirelessly transmitting a first set of one or more control signals,wherein the electrical stimulation unit includes a wireless receiverconfigured for receiving the first set of one or more control signalsfrom the wireless remote controller; and wherein, in response toreceiving the first set of one or more control signals from the wirelessremote controller, the electrical stimulation unit generates the atleast one electrical waveform and applies the at least one electricalwaveform to the two electrodes; a heating device operatively coupled tothe receiver of the electrical simulation unit, the heating devicecomprising one or more heating pads configured for generating heat inresponse to a second set of one or more control signals received fromthe wireless remote controller, and further configured for providing thegenerated heat to the surface proximate to where the electrodes areapplied; the wireless remote controller further configured forcontrolling the heating device by generating and transmitting a secondset of one or more control signals, wherein the electrical stimulationunit includes a wireless receiver configured for wirelessly receivingthe second set of one or more control signals from the wireless remotecontroller; and wherein, in response to receiving the second set of oneor more control signals from the wireless remote controller, theelectrical stimulation unit activates the heating device to generateheat and to provide the generated heat to the surface proximate to wherethe electrodes are applied.
 12. The wireless electrical stimulationsystem of claim 11, wherein the electrical stimulation unit isconfigured for applying at least two different intensities or signallevels to the two electrodes, and wherein the wireless remote controllerhas an intensity selector for selecting one of the at least twodifferent intensities of operation for the electrical stimulation unit.13. The wireless electrical stimulation system of claim 12, wherein theintensity selector comprises an increase control and a decrease control.14. The wireless electrical stimulation system of claim 11, furthercomprising a plurality of electrical stimulation units, wherein thewireless remote controller further comprises: a selector for selectingone of the plurality of electrical stimulation units, and a display forindicating which of the plurality of electrical stimulation units hasbeen selected.
 15. The wireless electrical stimulation system of claim11, wherein the wireless remote controller is a smart phone running anapplication.
 16. A method of utilizing an electrical stimulation deviceon a surface of a human body, the method comprising: providing anelectrical stimulation unit configured to generate at least oneelectrical waveform, providing a structure that is substantiallybelt-shaped and is capable of being adjustably placed around a waist ofa human body, the structure comprising a first electrode, a secondelectrode, and an insulating material that insulates the first electrodefrom the second electrode, and applying the generated at least oneelectrical waveform to the first and second electrodes using a remotecontroller configured for controlling the electrical stimulation unit bygenerating and transmitting a first set of one or more control signals,wherein the electrical stimulation unit includes a receiver configuredfor receiving the first set of one or more control signals from theremote controller, wherein the generated at least one electricalwaveform is applied by delivering the electrical waveform to a set ofmuscle groups or nerve areas within the surface that areelectromagnetically coupled to the first and second electrodes, whereinthe first and second electrodes are configured to be applied externallyto the surface; and wherein the one or more control signals cause theelectrical stimulation unit to apply an electric potential across thefirst electrode and the second electrode to provide an electricalstimulation to the set of muscle groups or nerve areas within thesurface; and providing a heating device proximate to the first andsecond electrodes, the heating device being operatively coupled to thereceiver of the electrical stimulation unit, the receiver beingconfigured for receiving a second set of one or more control signalsfrom the remote controller, and the heating device being activated togenerate heat in response to the second set of one or more controlsignals being received by the electrical stimulation unit from theremote controller.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:providing a rechargeable battery for the heating device; electronicallyconnecting the rechargeable battery to the heating device; and enablingthe heating device to generate the heat using the rechargeable battery.18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: providing a display thatis operatively coupled to the heating device; and using the display toshow at least one of: a heat level of the heat generated by the heatingdevice, or a power level of the rechargeable battery.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising: providing an antenna or an inductive loopfor the heating device; and receiving power wirelessly to generate theheat using the antenna or the inductive loop.
 20. The method of claim17, further comprising: providing an antenna and a rechargeable batteryfor the heating device; attaching a heat control switch to theelectrical stimulation apparatus; and controlling, via the heat controlswitch, the heat generated by either received power from the antenna orpower from the rechargeable battery.